About the role#
The National Security Project works to protect civil liberties and human rights against government overreach. This project advocates for checks and balances through the courts, Congress, and public education. We focus on issues including surveillance, unlawful force, detention, and discrimination. This is a full-time, 10-week summer internship.
What you'll do#
- Support the legal and advocacy work of the National Security Project.
- 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#
- Current enrollment in a U.S. law school.
- Completion of at least one year of law school before the internship begins.
- Strong research skills, including experience with internet and legal databases.
- Ability to analyze complex legal issues.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Initiative to manage projects from start to finish.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice.
Location & details#
- This position is based in New York City and offers both remote and hybrid work options.
- The internship is a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week.
- Interns receive a stipend of $24 per hour.
- Applicants must be based in the United States 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.



