About the role#
The William J. Brennan Fellowship is a two-year, full-time position within the Speech, Privacy and Technology Project at the ACLU National office. This fellowship provides training and experience in First and Fourth Amendment advocacy. The project focuses on protecting freedom of expression, association, and inquiry, as well as expanding privacy rights in the context of new scientific and technological advances. Fellows work on an extensive docket of litigation and advocacy efforts, including issues related to online expression, journalists' rights, algorithmic decision-making, and privacy at the border.
What you'll do#
- Participate in litigation at all levels of federal and state courts, including legal research, client interviews, and drafting briefs and pleadings.
- Assist in drafting amicus curiae briefs and provide support for affiliate litigation.
- Serve as a resource for legislative and policy work.
- Advance policy goals through public education and coalition participation.
- Help manage the summer legal internship program and supervise student interns.
- Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.
What you'll need#
- A J.D. degree or the expectation of receiving one by Spring 2027.
- A commitment to the mission of the ACLU and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and resolve conflicts.
- Preferred qualifications include skill at performing complex legal analytical work, a demonstrated commitment to public-interest law, and the ability to work both independently and within a team.
Location & details#
- Location: New York, New York.
- Term: Starts in Fall 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: This is a paid position.
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.
