About the role#
The Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative (ACDI) supports abortion providers, patients, and individuals helping others access care. We manage a network of defenders nationwide and provide strategic assistance to local counsel. As an intern, you will support our defensive and affirmative advocacy efforts regarding the criminalization of abortion care.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, portions of briefs, motions, and training resources.
- Track cases and issues relevant to the ACDI.
- Perform intakes for individuals seeking criminal defense representation.
- Participate in weekly team meetings and attend reproductive-rights specific orientation sessions.
- Engage with coalition partners on litigation and policy advocacy.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment at an ABA accredited law school with at least one year completed.
- Excellent legal research and writing skills with the ability to conduct complex legal analysis.
- Strong oral communication skills.
- Attention to detail and the ability to balance multiple assignments.
- A team player approach and the initiative to see projects through to completion.
- Demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, public interest law, civil rights, and social justice.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship at $24 per hour.
- The term is for 10 consecutive weeks during Summer 2027.
- The role is based in New York City or Washington D.C. with remote or hybrid options available.
- 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.
