About the role#
ArchCity Defenders is a legal advocacy organization focused on ending the criminalization of poverty and state violence. This internship provides an opportunity to support our Civil Rights Litigation team in federal Section 1983 litigation, including class actions and individual cases. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to support our mission of achieving racial and economic justice.
What you'll do#
- Perform fact and legal research to support our claims.
- Draft memos to synthesize your research findings.
- Prepare motions, pleadings, and other legal documents.
- Assist with discovery and investigation tasks.
- Interview and communicate with clients or class members.
- Attend court proceedings with staff attorneys when available.
What you'll need#
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proven legal research and writing abilities.
- A detail-oriented approach to working within a team.
- High capacity for problem-solving and self-direction.
- Ability to work independently under time constraints.
- Flexibility to respond to changing organizational needs.
- A commitment to racial and economic justice and systems change.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity toward diverse populations, including an understanding of power, privilege, and oppression.
Location & details#
- This is a paid, part-time internship based in St. Louis, Missouri.
- The role is on-site at our office.
- The term is for Winter 2027.
- Interns must be able to commit to 8-12 weeks of work.
- We cannot accept interns who are simultaneously engaged in another internship.
About ArchCity Defenders
ArchCity Defenders is a legal advocacy organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2009, the group provides civil and criminal legal representation alongside social services. It focuses on addressing the criminalization of poverty and state violence in communities of color. The organization employs a holistic model that integrates legal work with policy and media advocacy.
How to get in at ArchCity Defenders
Applying to ArchCity Defenders requires a clear understanding of their focus on civil rights and systemic advocacy. Because roles in public interest law are competitive, Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a position is published so you can apply among the first. Getting your application in early ensures your materials are reviewed before the volume of candidates grows too large. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind these roles to reach out directly. Asking a thoughtful question about the organization or requesting a referral often improves your response rate compared to submitting a cold application through a general queue.
