Overview
The New York State Division of Human Rights is the law enforcement agency charged with enforcing New York State’s anti-discrimination law, known as the Human Rights Law. There are several exciting and rewarding intern/extern opportunities at the Division.
Internships/externships at the Division are available on a year-round basis and is a hybrid of in-person office presence and virtual work. Interns/externs will receive training to access the Division’s secure virtual environment. Internships/externships are available for college, law, and other graduate program students.
The Division offers interested students exciting opportunities to participate in the processing of discrimination complaints and observe first-hand how the Division investigates, prosecutes, and conducts hearings to determine if discriminatory conduct in violation of New York State law has occurred. There are also opportunities to work with the Division’s External Relations Unit, that works to educate and engage New Yorkers about the NYS Human Rights Law. Interns/externs are also provided with significant professional development, mentorship, and writing opportunities.
These exciting internships/externships are available with our Central Office in the Bronx as well as our regional offices across New York State:
- Bronx Central Office
- Commissioner’s Office
- Disability Rights Unit
- Finance Unit
- Hearings Unit
- Housing Investigations Unit
- Albany
- Binghamton
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Office of Sexual Harassment Issues
- Rochester
- Syracuse
- Upper Manhattan
There is a rolling application deadline for the 2024 DHR summer internship program. The internships begin on Monday, June 3, 2024 and end on Friday, August 2, 2024.
As all our internships and externships are highly competitive, it is recommended that interested students apply by the posted deadlines. To apply for any DHR internship/externship, please specify in your cover letter which program area (i.e., Investigation, Enforcement, Adjudication, External Relations) you are interested in and include a résumé and a 5-10-page writing sample to:
New York State Division of Human Rights
One Fordham Plaza, Fourth Floor
Bronx, New York 10458
[email protected]
For further information on DHR internships, and other New York State internships, visit the New York State Department of Civil Service internship website.
The Division is proud of the diversity of participants in its program and encourages all students to apply.
We thank you in advance for your interest in interning with the Division.
Prosecutions
Join our team of staff attorneys as they prepare for cases involving discrimination complaints. Interns and externs assist in in reviewing requests to reopen investigations and in preparing for hearings and discrimination actions. Attend administrative hearings and court proceedings when appropriate. Conduct legal research on various topics involving the New York State Human Rights Law.
Skills:
Legal research and writing
Civil and administrative litigation
Case analysis
Requirements: Preferred Standing: 3rd Year Law Student; 2nd Year Law Student
To apply for any DHR internship, please forward a résumé, a 5-10 page writing sample, and a cover letter to:
New York State Division of Human Rights
One Fordham Plaza, Fourth Floor
Bronx, New York 10458
[email protected]
For further information on DHR internships, and other New York State internships, visit the New York State Department of Civil Service internship website.
The Division is proud of the diversity of participants in its program and encourages all students to apply.
We thank you in advance for your interest in interning with the Division.
Investigations
Under the supervision of DHR investigators, interns/externs at regional offices will experience how DHR investigates complaints. This experience will encompass exposure to assisting in intake, case analysis, document requests and reviews, witness interviews, and drafting investigation reports. Interns/externs will have the added opportunity to observe virtual conferences and hearings.
*A redacted writing sample is available at the end of the program.
Skills:
Legal research and data analysis
Document requests and reviews
Drafting investigation reports
Case analysis
Witness interviews
Requirements: Preferred Standing: 1st Year Law Student; Minimum Standing: Senior
To apply for any DHR internship/externship, please forward a résumé, a 5-10 page writing sample, and a cover letter to:
New York State Division of Human Rights
One Fordham Plaza, Fourth Floor
Bronx, New York 10458
[email protected]
For further information on DHR internships, and other New York State internships, visit the New York State Department of Civil Service internship website.
The Division is proud of the diversity of participants in its program and encourages all students to apply.
We thank you in advance for your interest in interning with the Division.
Disability Rights Unit
Work with the Director of Disability Rights on cases of discrimination based upon disability under the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL). Interns and externs assist the Director with disability discrimination cases in the employment, housing and public accommodations context. Review and analyze disability discrimination complaints to identify patterns or practice of discrimination against persons with disabilities under the NYSHRL. Assist the Director with education and outreach for covered entities and the general public to promote compliance with the NYSHRL.
Requirements: At least one year of law school completed at an accredited institution and a demonstrated interest in the field of disability rights.
To apply for any DHR internship/externship, please forward a résumé, a 5-10 page writing sample, and a cover letter to:
New York State Division of Human Rights
One Fordham Plaza, Fourth Floor
Bronx, New York 10458
[email protected]
For further information on DHR internships, and other New York State internships, visit the New York State Department of Civil Service internship website.
The Division is proud of the diversity of participants in its program and encourages all students to apply.
We thank you in advance for your interest in interning with the Division.
Division Initiated Action Unit
The Division Initiated Action Unit (DIAU) is responsible for identifying, investigating, and bringing complaints to remedy large-scale and systemic discrimination in New York State. Depending on the current caseload, Interns/externs in the DIAU may gain experience in some or all of the following: legal research, witness interviews, field visits, data analysis, settlement negotiations, and the drafting of legal memoranda, correspondence, position statements, investigative reports, and administrative complaints. The internship/externship provides an opportunity to contribute directly to high-impact cases affecting large numbers of New Yorkers.
Skills:
Legal research
Legal writing
Data analysis
Document requests and reviews
Drafting investigation reports
Witness interviews
Requirements: Preferred Standing: Law Student; Minimum Standing: Graduate Student
*A redacted writing sample is available at the end of the internship.
**Strong preference is given to applicants with a demonstrated interest in human rights/civil rights issues and a commitment to public interest work.
To apply for any DHR internship/externship, please forward a résumé, a 5-10 page writing sample, and a cover letter to:
New York State Division of Human Rights
One Fordham Plaza, Fourth Floor
Bronx, New York 10458
[email protected]
For further information on DHR internships, and other New York State internships, visit the New York State Department of Civil Service internship website.
The Division is proud of the diversity of participants in its program and encourages all students to apply.
We thank you in advance for your interest in interning with the Division.
Hearings
(Only available for the summer program)
Work with DHR Administrative Law Judges on preparing cases for administrative hearings. Assist DHR Administrative Law Judges in preparation of Recommended Orders.
Skills:
Legal research and writing
Civil and administrative litigation
Requirements: Preferred Standing: 3rd Year Law Student; Minimum Standing: 2nd Year Law Student
To apply for any DHR internship/externship, please forward a résumé, a 5-10 page writing sample, and a cover letter to:
New York State Division of Human Rights
One Fordham Plaza, Fourth Floor
Bronx, New York 10458
[email protected]
For further information on DHR internships, and other New York State internships, visit the New York State Department of Civil Service internship website.
The Division is proud of the diversity of participants in its program and encourages all students to apply.
We thank you in advance for your interest in interning with the Division.
Finance
Work with the Director of Finance in the following areas:
- Assist in the development, compilation and follow-up of various financial management reports, including, but not limited to: inventory reports, procurement and office supply fulfillment order requests, utility payment analyses; accounts payable aging reports, and analyses/reconciliation of the Division's internal general ledger reports;
-Assist in the compilation, updating of agency financial spending plans and expense projections;
-Perform other finance assignments as directed/required.
Skills:
Development of ad-hoc financial reports
In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Excel
Statistical analysis
Requirements: Preferred Standing: Graduate Student; Minimum Standing: Senior
To apply for any DHR internship/externship, please forward a résumé, a 5-10 page writing sample, and a cover letter to:
New York State Division of Human Rights
One Fordham Plaza, Fourth Floor
Bronx, New York 10458
[email protected]
For further information on DHR internships, and other New York State internships, visit the New York State Department of Civil Service internship website.
The Division is proud of the diversity of participants in its program and encourages all students to apply.
We thank you in advance for your interest in interning with the Division.
Public Relations
Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner of External Relations, an intern/extern would be responsible for working closely on campaigns designed by the Deputy Commissioner and implemented with the support of the External Relations Unit. This would include some basic administrative functions such as calendaring meetings, memo drafting, and other support functions. The position also involves the creation of planning documents, developing and maintaining relationships with external constituents located across New York State, and using those relationships to support the team in executing plans. We will also brainstorm as a team on how our agency can reach more people.
Requirements: At least three years of college completed.
To apply for any DHR internship/externship, please forward a résumé, a 5-10 page writing sample, and a cover letter to:
New York State Division of Human Rights
One Fordham Plaza, Fourth Floor
Bronx, New York 10458
[email protected]
For further information on DHR internships, and other New York State internships, visit the New York State Department of Civil Service internship website.
The Division is proud of the diversity of participants in its program and encourages all students to apply.
We thank you in advance for your interest in interning with the Division.