About the role#
The Immigrants' Rights Project at the ACLU offers a legal internship for the Winter 2027 term. This position supports our national office through impact litigation and legal advocacy. You will work alongside attorneys to protect civil rights and liberties in trial and appellate courts. This internship is unpaid and intended for course credit only.
What you'll do#
- Draft legal memoranda, affidavits, and briefs.
- Conduct legal and policy research to support ongoing cases.
- Research prospects for new litigation, including factual and legal claims.
- Create materials for public education.
- Track and analyze legislative bills.
What you'll need#
- You must be a currently matriculated law student.
- You must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
- Excellent research, verbal, and writing skills.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage your time effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Initiative to see projects through to completion.
- A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice.
Location & details#
- This role is based in San Francisco, California, with remote or hybrid work options available.
- This is a part-time position requiring 20 hours per week.
- The internship lasts for 12 consecutive weeks, starting on January 11 or January 25, 2027.
- This position does not offer compensation and must be tied to your formal education program for academic credit.
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.
