About the role#
The Immigrants' Rights Project (IRP) at the ACLU works to protect the civil rights and liberties of immigrants through litigation in trial and appellate courts. As a legal intern, you will work closely with attorneys to support impact litigation and advocacy. This role offers exposure to a variety of legal tools used to address issues such as due process, detention, and access to the courts.
What you'll do#
- Draft memoranda, affidavits, and briefs.
- Conduct legal and policy research.
- Research prospects for new litigation, including factual and legal claims.
- Research and draft materials for public education.
- Perform legislative bill tracking and analysis.
What you'll need#
- You must be a currently matriculated student at a U.S. law school.
- You must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
- Excellent research, communication, and time-management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Initiative to see projects through to completion.
- A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice.
- A demonstrated commitment to diversity and the ability to work collaboratively and respectfully.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, 10-week internship for Summer 2027.
- The role is based in San Francisco and offers remote or hybrid work options.
- The position is paid at a rate of $24 per hour.
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.



