About the role#
The Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative (ACDI) supports abortion providers, patients, and those assisting them with criminal defense needs. We manage a network of defenders across the country and provide strategic assistance to local counsel. This internship offers the chance to support defensive and affirmative advocacy related to the criminalization of abortion care. This is a non-paid role for course credit only.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, motions, briefs, and training resources.
- Track cases and legal issues relevant to the initiative.
- Assist with intakes for individuals seeking criminal defense representation.
- Participate in weekly team meetings and attend reproductive-rights specific orientation sessions.
- Engage with coalition partners on litigation and policy advocacy.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment at an ABA accredited law school with at least 1L year completed.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and complex analysis skills.
- Strong oral communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple assignments.
- A team-player approach and the initiative to see projects through to completion.
- Demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, public interest law, civil rights, and social justice.
Location & details#
- Term: Winter 2027 (beginning January 11 or January 25).
- Modality: Remote or hybrid in New York, NY or Washington, D.C.
- Commitment: Full-time (35 hours per week for 10 weeks) or part-time (10, 15, or 20 hours per week for 12 weeks).
- Eligibility: Must be based in the U.S. for the duration of the internship.
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.
