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We have filled all internship positions for the summer of 2026, but if you are interested in pursuing an internship with SCCLS or JCSM please feel free to email us your resume so we can keep it on file for the future.
Overview:
South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS) and its subsidiary the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts (JCSM), are non-profit legal services programs providing free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income and elder residents with various legal issues throughout the region. Our core mission is to achieve justice for our clients through community-based advocacy through the delivery of high quality, time sensitive assistance to at-risk people.
Both agencies accept applications for interns (including, but not limited to, law and undergraduate students) on a rolling basis across their field offices which are based in the cities of Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. The sort of work, and depth of the experience, will depend on the candidate’s availability and experience. We do consider work study applications and review them based on the same process and for the same sorts of work.
We encourage academic-year interns to plan for 10 hours a week of work, but we will do our best to be flexible with scheduling where possible to accommodate academic and work schedules. We encourage students participating in a co-op or other work program to consider working with us for a longer period, such as a semester or school year. For summer interns, we expect applicants to work full-time (35 hours a week, five days a week) for approximately 10 weeks, with modifications possible depending on the school or program’s requirements. While we currently do not compensate interns directly, we will work to support and assist any candidates who have secured alternative sources of funding and will promptly prepare needed paperwork when requested. In addition, we accept fellowship applicants (see our “Fellowship Opportunities” description) and do participate in work study programs operated through schools.
Positions:
Both SCCLS and JCSM have a wide range of services they offer to our communities. We will try to match intern applicants who express an interest in a particular type of work to a staff person (with support by supervisory staff) in an office accessible to the intern. However, our work takes us across our service area and available office space or program needs can vary. We ask applicants to be realistic about travel arrangements and as flexible as their individual circumstances allow.
Both organizations offer hybrid in-person and remote work options for staff, but fully remote options will typically not be available.
SCCLS has field offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. Active practice area units include 1) housing, 2) family law, 3) consumer law, 4) benefits, and 5) elder law. SCCLS also hosts our active Private Attorney Involvement (“PAI”) program.
The JCSM has one office in Brockton, but offers services throughout our service area. The JCSM provides significant services for clients with legal needs in the areas of 1) education, 2) immigration, and 3) housing.
We may have additional projects based on yearly funding opportunities, please feel free to inquire.
Duties:
Generally, opportunities to provide client services, advocacy, and other more intensive work will be more available for thoughtful applicants who are able to commit more of their time (or are available for a longer period of time) to assisting our mission.
Academic-year interns, or others similarly available for a smaller period of time, can expect to receive orientation, learning opportunities about our work, and court/hearing observations. In addition, opportunities could include conducting intakes, helping to gather information, performing smaller research projects, or assisting staff with case preparation.
Summer-interns, or those in longer-term or larger-scope programs like a co-op, will have additional opportunities to assist in our case work and providing direct service to our clients. Based on experience, skill-level, and relevant certifications (including 3:03) direct representation on certain legal matters may be possible. These interns will also have the opportunity to attend additional events, learning opportunities, and trainings.
How to Apply:
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but our availability to host interns may be limited (especially for larger commitments) so please apply promptly based on you and your program’s needs. For full consideration, submit resume, two (2) references, and cover letter to: Emily Flaherty at eflaherty@sccls.org with subject line: “Internship Application.” If you are requesting that we fill out paperwork or otherwise consider work study/funding opportunities for your application, please state that clearly as well. Also note that we consider all kinds of experience, not just credentials, and if you have any questions about your application please don’t hesitate to ask.
SCCLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized, especially individuals who come from marginalized communities that are often under resourced, underserved, and underrepresented.