Fall 2026 Criminal Law & Immigration Project Externship

About the role#

The ACLU of Northern California’s Legal Advocacy Department offers an externship program for law and policy graduate students. Externs contribute to core work streams including prosecutorial accountability, police accountability, decarceration, and immigrants’ rights. This role involves participating in departmental meetings where litigation and policy strategies are developed, with opportunities to work across broader issue areas such as democracy, speech, technology, and appeals. This is a paid, full-time equivalent opportunity requiring students to earn academic credit through their institution.

What you'll do#

• Conduct legal and policy research and analysis.
• Assist in authoring advocacy materials, court documents, and pre-litigation demand letters.
• Support legislative or local campaigns.
• Participate in hearings and meetings with policy-makers and advocates.
• Attend appellate arguments, trial court proceedings, and depositions.

What you'll need#

• Current enrollment in law school or a graduate program in criminal justice, public policy, or a related field.
• Strong research, writing, and oral communication skills.
• A demonstrated passion for criminal justice and immigrants’ rights.
• Ability to articulate a commitment to social justice and the mission of the ACLU.
• A detail-oriented and enthusiastic approach to legal and policy work.

Location & details#

• Term: Fall 2026.
• Modality: Remote, on-site, or hybrid options are available depending on proximity to offices in San Francisco, Sacramento, or Fresno.
• Commitment: Minimum of 16 hours per week for 12–14 weeks for semester students, or a full quarter for quarter-system students. Full-day shifts are preferred.