About the role#
The State Supreme Court Initiative (SSCI) at the ACLU works to strengthen the organization's voice in state supreme courts. The team identifies cases of constitutional importance, files amicus curiae briefs, and acts as co-counsel. Interns assist with this work by supporting civil rights and civil liberties litigation across the country.
What you'll do#
- Draft memoranda, motions, and portions of briefs.
- Conduct legal and factual research on cases in state courts.
- Track cases and issues relevant to the SSCI.
- Assist with ongoing civil rights and civil liberties litigation.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in a U.S. law school with at least one year completed before the start date.
- Strong research skills, including familiarity with Westlaw and PACER.
- Clear communication skills for both written and oral tasks.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to manage time and handle details effectively.
- A commitment to the mission of the ACLU and to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Location & details#
- This position is based in New York, NY or Washington, D.C. with remote or hybrid options available.
- The internship is for course credit only and must be tied to a formal education program.
- You may choose a part-time schedule of 10, 15, or 20 hours per week for 12 weeks, or a full-time schedule of 35 hours per week for 10 weeks.
- The program begins on January 11 or January 25, 2027.
- Applicants must be based in the U.S. 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.
