About the role#
The Human Rights Program at the ACLU is looking for a Summer Legal Intern to join the team in New York. This program focuses on holding the U.S. government accountable to international human rights obligations. The work supports advocacy in areas including immigrants' rights, prisoners' rights, criminal law reform, free speech, and racial justice. You will work under the direct supervision of the Program Director and collaborate with other staff members to support domestic and international advocacy efforts.
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 and human rights documentation.
- Research and draft materials for advocacy before regional and international bodies.
What you'll need#
- You must be a currently matriculated law student who has completed your 1L year before the internship starts.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the ACLU and the protection of civil and human rights.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
- Organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and web-based research.
- Initiative to see projects through to completion.
- Knowledge of the human rights framework or international human rights system is preferred.
- Experience working on immigration or criminal legal system issues is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: New York, NY (Hybrid).
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Duration: 10 weeks, beginning May 24 or June 7.
- Commitment: Full-time, 35 hours per week.
- Compensation: This is a paid internship 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.
