About the role#
The Legal Advocacy Department at the ACLU of Northern California invites law students to apply for a legal internship focused on appellate advocacy. You will work directly with the Director of Appellate Advocacy and the Senior Supervising Attorney to advance the department goals. This role involves contributing to litigation at the department level and supporting various issue-based programs. You will gain experience across the legal process, from initial case development to appellate projects.
What you'll do#
- Investigate, develop, and initiate affirmative cases.
- Draft legal documents including pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Participate in strategy meetings with staff and coalition partners.
- Attend monthly department meetings to discuss litigation and policy strategy.
- Collaborate across issue areas including Criminal Law and Immigration or Democracy, Speech and Technology.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in law school.
- Strong research, writing, and oral communication skills.
- An enthusiastic, creative, and detail-oriented approach to legal work.
- A commitment to social justice and the ideals of the ACLU.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship for 10 to 12 weeks during Summer 2027.
- The role operates in a hybrid work model.
- Offices are located in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno. Please indicate your preference and willingness to work from these locations in your application.
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
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