About the role#
The Disability Rights Program works to ensure that people with disabilities are valued, integrated members of society with full access to education, housing, health care, and civic engagement. We fight against the segregation of people with disabilities in institutions and strive to end discrimination through litigation and advocacy. As a legal intern, you will support these efforts by working directly with our team on active cases and advocacy projects.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal research and draft memos or portions of court submissions.
- Perform factual investigations to support our litigation.
- Assist in the preparation for court cases, including depositions, hearings, and trials.
- Participate in internal meetings, advocacy strategy sessions, and litigation planning.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as a law student at a U.S. law school.
- Ability to work from within the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
- Strong research skills and the ability to use legal databases.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- High attention to detail and strong time-management habits.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Initiative to see projects through to completion and a commitment to the mission of the ACLU.
- Personal, professional, or academic experience with disability rights is preferred.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, 10-week internship for Summer 2027.
- The role is based in Washington, D.C. or San Francisco, CA, with remote or hybrid work options available.
- This position is paid at a rate of $24 per hour.
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.
