Fall 2026 Legal Intern, National Prison Project

About the role#

The National Prison Project at the ACLU works to ensure that conditions in prisons, jails, juvenile detention centers, and immigration detention facilities comply with the Constitution, domestic law, and international human rights principles. Interns gain experience in prison reform litigation and advocacy by supporting attorneys in their efforts to reduce overcrowding, improve health care, and challenge the use of solitary confinement.

What you'll do#

• Research and draft legal memoranda and briefings regarding the rights of incarcerated people.
• Gather, analyze, and synthesize information related to conditions in prisons, jails, and detention centers.
• Research and draft prospects for new litigation and campaign advocacy.
• Assist with the drafting, production, and distribution of advocacy and public education materials.
• Provide general litigation and advocacy support to supervising attorneys.

What you'll need#

• Current enrollment as a second or third-year law student pursuing a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school, having completed at least one year of law school.
• A demonstrated interest in the rights of incarcerated people and a commitment to civil rights.
• Outstanding legal research, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work both independently and within a collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency with computer skills, including web-based research and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Location & details#

• Location: Remote or hybrid, based in Washington D.C.
• Duration: 12 consecutive weeks, starting September 8 or September 21, 2026.
• Time Commitment: Part-time (10, 15, or 20 hours per week).
• Compensation: This position is for course credit only and must be tied to the intern’s formal education program.