Legal & Government Relations Internship
— About The Program
A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE LAW, POLICY, AND JUSTICE
Coptic Orphans invites talented and mission-driven students to apply for its Legal & Government Relations Summer Internship Program for Summer 2026.
This selective program offers students the opportunity to work closely with Coptic Orphans’ Government Relations and Legal teams on issues concerning public policy, international law, nonprofit advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. Interns will work from the office in Fairfax, VA and on the ground in DC. Responsibilities include contributing to research and writing projects, supporting advocacy initiatives, and assisting a global nonprofit to utilize legal and government relations functions to advance the interests of vulnerable communities.
This program offers a unique opportunity to interact directly with Congressional offices, federal agencies, and other institutions creating and contributing to public policy.
— Why Apply
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
This program is designed primarily for current J.D. students. In exceptional cases, incoming law students and public policy students or specialists may also be considered.
The intern will work full-time out of the organization’s world headquarters office in Fairfax, VA.
Nonprofit Legal research & writing
Research legal, legislative, regulatory, and policy developments. Support in-house legal projects, such contract review, compliance, and intellectual property.
Drafting & Writing
Assist in drafting memoranda, policy briefs, talking points, and other advocacy materials..
Stakeholder Engagement
Prepare for meetings, public-facing engagements, and strategic outreach with government officials and civil society stakeholders.
Mentorship
Receive direct mentorship from attorneys in an industry-leading Legal Department that includes Government Relations and Strategic Engagement units.
Strategic Advocacy & Frameworks
Gain practical exposure to nonprofit advocacy, international development issues, and the legal and policy frameworks that affect faith-based and humanitarian organizations.
Government & political exposure
Interact directly with Congressional offices, federal agencies, advocacy organizations, and more.
— Program Details
STRUCTURE & LOGISTICS
LOCATION
3060 Williams Dr | Fairfax, VA
With DC engagement; in-person required
Start Date
June 15, 2026
Flexible depending on candidate availability
Duration
8–10 Weeks
Full-time commitment expected
Compensation
Stipend Available
Amount based on qualifications
Academic Credit
May Be Available
Subject to your school’s policies
Housing
— Who Should Apply
WE SEEK PURPOSEFUL, RIGOROUS LEGAL THINKERS
This program is designed for current J.D. candidates, with exceptional consideration given to incoming law students and public policy students.
Areas of Interest
Government Relations
International Law
Nonprofit Advocacy
Religious Liberty
Foreign Policy
International Development
— Qualifications
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Currently enrolled in a J.D. program at an accredited U.S. law school; admitted to a J.D. program; or studying public policy or a related topic
Strong legal research and writing skills
Demonstrated analytical thinking and sound judgment
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple deadlines independently
Professional written and verbal communication
Arabic language proficiency BONUS
— How To Apply
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Résumé
A current legal résumé including education, relevant experience, and extracurricular activities.
Statement of Interest
A written response to the prompt below.
Writing Sample (Optional but preferred)
A legal memo, brief, or research paper demonstrating your writing and analytical ability.
Statement of Interest — Prompt
“If you wake up tomorrow as a U.S. Senator, what changes or policies will you implement to benefit Coptic Christians?”
Double-spaced
12-point font in Times New Roman or Calibri
1-inch margins
Regarding AI Tools: Use of AI writing assistants is permitted, but writing may be screened during the review process. Your statement should reflect your own thinking and legal perspective authentically.
— About Coptic Orphans
A GLOBAL MISSION ROOTED IN SERVICE
Coptic Orphans is an international nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Egypt through community-based programs in education, development, and advocacy. Founded on the belief that every child deserves opportunity regardless of circumstance, the organization works with local volunteers to support fatherless children.
The Legal & Government Relations team ensures the organization operates effectively across complex legal environments while promoting visibility of the Coptic Christians, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, in Egypt and internationally.
38+
Years of Service
Primary Operations
Advocacy Hub
501(c)(3)
Registered Nonprofit
— FAQS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is a stipend provided?
Yes — a stipend is available and determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Specific amounts will be communicated when the candidate is selected.
Is housing provided?
Housing is not provided. Candidates are responsible for arranging their own accommodations in the Fairfax, Virginia / Washington, DC area.
What is the transportation policy?
Candidates are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Fairfax, VA office. Some DC-based engagements may involve travel within the metro area. Coptic Orphans will cover business-related travel, such as transportation from the office to meetings in DC and back.
Is the internship in-person or remote?
This is an in-person position. Candidates must be able to work on-site at the Fairfax, VA headquarters. Relocation or commuting to the DC metro area is required.
Can the start date be adjusted?
The target start date is June 15, 2026, but we offer flexibility based on candidate availability. Please clarify your preferred start date on your application, if it differs from the target start date.
Can I earn academic credit?
Academic credit may be available depending on your school’s externship or field placement policies. Coptic Orphans will work with you to provide required documentation; however, eligibility is determined by your institution.
Do I have to be a law student to apply?
No. Law students are preferred, but we encourage all students pursuing public policy or a related field to apply.
What does the internship actually involve day-to-day?
Interns work in the Legal Department, primarily with the Government Relations unit. This work includes legal research, drafting documents and policy memos, supporting compliance and contract review, attending stakeholder meetings, and contributing to advocacy strategy. The scope is broad by design — we value generalists who can apply legal skills to organizational challenges.