contact us TODAY 202-644-8600
The Benach Collopy Asylum Summer Fellowship 2017
I have been so lucky to get to know so many brave, hard-working, family-oriented, and generous people from all over the globe. They all shared one thing in common: a willingness to take a chance to come to the U.S. to be the person they knew they were meant to be.
-Ava Benach
Description of Fellowship
Surging violence against transgender and gender nonconforming communities worldwide continue to force a record number of individuals to seek protection at U.S. borders and points of entry. Many of these people qualify for asylum based on past persecution, but encounter difficulties navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. The Benach Collopy Fellowship offers the opportunity for an outstanding law student to work side by side with transgender asylum seekers to vindicate their rights and access the legal process in a way that is supportive and affirming.
The Fellowship offers a $5,000 stipend for a 10-week full-time summer internship in Washington, DC during the summer of 2017.
Under the supervision of expert asylum attorneys at Benach Collopy and the Whitman-Walker Health Legal Services Program, the Fellow will represent transgender asylum seekers fleeing persecution based on gender identity. The fellow will work closely with clients at Benach Collopy LLP and Whitman-Walker Health, both located in Northwest DC. Whitman-Walker Health is a medical-legal partnership dedicated to providing appropriate trans-affirming services.
The Fellow will work directly with clients, carrying active caseloads for filing to USCIS and the Immigration Court under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
Qualifications
How to Apply
Submit all applications via email only to Whitman-Walker Health Legal Services Program Attn: Cori Alonso-Yoder, calonso-yoder@whitman-walker.org, with the subject line “Benach Collopy Fellowship Application.” Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references. Please describe your interest in the issues addressed by the Fellowship and specify your desired start and end dates.
Deadlines: Applications must be received by April 30, 2017, but applicants are encouraged to apply early for full consideration. Position will remain open until filled.
Transgender, genderqueer, and gender nonconforming individuals are encouraged to apply.
Benach Collopy
N/a