About the role#
The Southern Legal Internship Program (SLIP) is a partnership between the ACLU and the National Black Law Students Association. This program places interns at ACLU affiliates across 13 states to contribute to legal, policy, and organizing campaigns. Interns focus on issues affecting Black and Brown communities, including voting rights, educational equity, gender justice, and criminal legal reform. This is a full-time, paid internship for Summer 2027.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal, policy, and administrative research.
- Draft legal documents and public-facing materials, such as know-your-rights guides.
- Participate in client intake processes.
- Complete additional projects assigned by your specific affiliate office.
What you'll need#
- You must be a current law student graduating no earlier than December 2027.
- Membership in the National Black Law Students Association or your local law school BLSA chapter is required.
- Strong research and writing skills are essential.
- You should be highly organized with a sharp eye for detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- You must demonstrate initiative, creative problem-solving, and the ability to own your assignments.
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for working as part of a team.
- A demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, 10-week summer position.
- The role is hybrid, with specific in-person requirements set by the individual affiliate office.
- Placements are available in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
About ACLU
The ACLU is a non-profit organization focused on the defense of civil rights and liberties. Founded in 1920, the group operates out of New York and Washington. It works on issues including voting rights, criminal justice reform, and freedom of speech. The organization employs over 1,200 people.
How to get in at ACLU
Securing an internship at the ACLU requires timing and persistence. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting applications into a void. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Connecting with a human recruiter often provides more clarity than a standard application portal.
