Fall Legal Intern, Capital Punishment Project

About the role#

The Capital Punishment Project, part of the ACLU’s Center for Justice, works to challenge the unfairness of capital punishment with the goal of abolishing the death penalty. The project engages in strategic litigation, direct representation of capital defendants, and public advocacy. This internship is for course credit only and must be integrated into the intern's formal education program.

What you'll do#

• Conduct legal and policy research.
• Draft memoranda, affidavits, and briefs.
• Research prospects for new litigation, including factual and legal claims.
• Research and draft materials for public education.

What you'll need#

• Completion of at least one year of law school prior to the start of the internship.
• A demonstrated interest in the abolition of the death penalty and a commitment to civil rights.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and web-based research.

Location & details#

• Term: Fall 2026 (12 consecutive weeks).
• Schedule: Part-time (10, 15, or 20 hours per week).
• Modality: Hybrid, based in either Durham, North Carolina, or New York City, New York.
• Compensation: This is an unpaid position for course credit only.