Job Description Policy Intern
Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project d/b/a Standpoint
Background: Standpoint (formerly the Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project) is the premiere legal resource for domestic and sexual violence victims/survivors, as well as those who work with survivors including advocates, attorneys, and other professionals. Standpoint provides direct representation and legal information to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Standpoint also provides extensive training, litigation support, and expert legal support to those working with victims of domestic and sexual violence across the state of Minnesota. Standpoint exists to promote justice for, and to respond effectively to, the constantly evolving legal needs of domestic and sexual violence victims.
Attorney Advocate Model: Standpoint recognizes that victims need both experienced legal counsel and an effective and skilled advocate. They share their knowledge and learn from one another in order to provide comprehensive legal support and promote systemic change in response to domestic and sexual violence.
Job Description: The policy intern will work with Standpoint’s Policy Committee to track pending legislation and to advance the organization’s public policy priorities. Work will vary throughout the legislative session and may include attending legislative hearings and partner meetings, conducting policy or legal research, analyzing the impacts of existing laws and policies, and assisting in the preparation of reports, testimony, or other advocacy documents.
Responsibilities
- Track bills introduced during the legislative session related to domestic violence, sexual violence, family law, criminal law, and housing.
- Prepare written summaries of relevant bills.
- Draft summary briefs and other substantive communication materials that explain policy issues to various audiences.
- Attend or watch recordings of legislative hearings held on relevant bills, and prepare written summaries of the hearings.
- Attend bi-weekly meetings of Standpoint’s Policy Committee.
- Attend meetings with Standpoint staff and other policy stakeholders, including domestic violence advocacy organizations, legal aid, and lobbyists.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated interest in public policy and legislation.
- Strong research and writing skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Attention to detail, excellent organization, and time management skills.
Other relevant position information
* Must be able to work closely with domestic and sexual violence advocates.
* Knowledge of other women’s rights issues is a plus.
* This position is mostly virtual but will have some required in-person meetings and events.
* This is a part-time position. Standpoint will work with the intern to set a schedule that accommodates classes and other educational responsibilities.
Applications from members of underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged, including but not limited to people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, immigrants and people with disabilities.
Standpoint is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: Standpoint
ATTN: Hiring Committee hiring@standpointmn.org
Applications will be accepted until November 29, 2026.