Mexican Consulate, Department of Protection and Legal Affairs (1 position)
The Mexican Consulate in Little Rock offers a variety of services to the Mexican community in Arkansas and West Tennessee, including issuing identity documents and nationality registration. Due to the unique features of bilateral migration between Mexico and the United States, the network of Mexican Consulates in the country also provides a wide range of services, including legal orientation and assistance.
The Department of Protection and Legal Affairs is entitled under international law to act in the best interest of Mexican nationals under the figure of “Consular Protection.” This legal figure encompasses multiple actions towards authorities deemed to bypass language barriers and alleviate vulnerability factors arising from migratory status. While Consular officers are not licensed, the Consulate serves as a resource center, operating various programs and connecting people with allied organizations to guide them through legal processes.
An extern at the Department of Protection and Legal Affairs will work directly with the Consul of the Protection Department and will be involved in the following tasks:
- Support in court for crime victims;
- Legal orientation for incarcerated individuals, victims of domestic violence, and victims of human trafficking;
- Training for the public regarding interactions with immigration agencies and law enforcement;
- Workshops on labor rights and constitutional rights;
- Assistance in the process for migratory reliefs;
- Follow-up on death penalty cases and prosecutorial and police misconduct cases;
- Conducting legal research and analysis, and writing memoranda of law.
To be eligible for this externship, students must be in their final year of law school during the semester that the externship would take place. Fluency in Spanish and some knowledge of immigration law, labor rights, and constitutional rights are preferred for this externship but are not required. Consular staff will interview students recommended for an externship prior to final approval of a placement.
