About the role#
The Democracy, Speech & Technology Internship places graduate and law students directly with attorneys to support litigation and policy work. You will focus on safeguarding free speech, privacy, and open government in the digital age. This is a full-time, paid position for the Summer 2027 term.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal and policy research and analysis.
- Draft reports, advocacy materials, portions of court documents, and pre-litigation demand letters.
- Assist with legislative or local campaigns.
- Attend and participate in public hearings at the state and county level.
- Meet with policy-makers and advocates.
- Observe appellate arguments, trial court proceedings, and depositions when possible.
- Participate in departmental meetings to discuss litigation and policy strategies.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in law school or a graduate program in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Science, Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, or a related field.
- Strong research, writing, and oral communication skills.
- An enthusiastic, creative, and detail-oriented approach to your work.
- A commitment to social justice and the ideals of the ACLU.
- A strong interest in the intersection of civil liberties, free speech, technology, and privacy.
Location & details#
- Locations: San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, California.
- Modality: On-site or hybrid.
- Duration: 10 to 12 weeks, typically starting after Memorial Day.
- Note: We do not accept applications from undergraduate students.
About ACLU of Northern California
The ACLU of Northern California is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco. Founded in 1934, it focuses on civil liberties, litigation, and policy advocacy. The organization employs 113 people and maintains offices in San Francisco and Fresno. It works with a network of 100,000 members and activists across the state.
How to get in at ACLU of Northern California
Securing an internship at the ACLU of Northern California requires speed because early applicants are often reviewed before the volume of interest becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting your materials to a massive, growing pile. You can also reach out to the recruiters behind the company's roles to ask about the position or a potential referral. Intern Insider surfaces these specific contacts, which materially improves your response rates. Reaching out directly is a practical way to show genuine interest in the work of the organization.
