About the role#
The ACLU is seeking a legal intern for the SCOTUS Docket. This role supports the National Legal Director and the staff attorney who manages the ACLU litigation department and our work before the United States Supreme Court. You will contribute to merits cases, petitions for certiorari, and amicus work across various issue areas, including voting rights, LGBTQ rights, immigration, presidential power, and free speech. This internship is available for course credit only.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal research and analysis to support new and active litigation projects.
- Aid in drafting legal memoranda, motions, and briefs.
- Provide support and assistance to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys.
- Assist with long-term planning, strategy projects, advocacy development, and coalition management.
What you'll need#
- You must be a currently matriculated law student who has completed your 1L year. Preference is given to those who have completed their 2L year.
- Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and time-management abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, and racial justice.
- Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and see projects through to completion.
- Preference is given to candidates with experience drafting briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court or familiarity with Section 1983 litigation, immigration law, LGBTQ rights, free speech, administrative law, national security law, or structural constitutional law.
Location & details#
- This position is based in New York, NY or San Francisco, CA.
- The role is available as remote or hybrid.
- Interns must be based in the U.S. for the duration of the term.
- This is an unpaid internship for course credit only.
- The term begins on January 11 or January 25, 2027.
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.
