About the role#
ArchCity Defenders is a legal advocacy organization that works to end the criminalization of poverty and state violence. We use impact litigation and direct representation to support people in the St. Louis region. Our Civil Rights Litigation team focuses on federal Section 1983 cases, including class actions regarding police misconduct, cash bail, and jail conditions.
What you'll do#
Interns work as part of an interdisciplinary team to support our mission. You will perform fact and legal research to help us understand specific claims. You will draft memos, motions, pleadings, and other legal documents. You will also assist with discovery and investigation, and communicate with clients or class members. When court hearings occur, you are encouraged to attend proceedings alongside our staff attorneys.
What you'll need#
We look for interns who are committed to racial and economic justice. You should have strong written and verbal communication skills, along with a detail-oriented approach to your work. We value cultural awareness and a clear understanding of power, privilege, and oppression. Success in this role requires a high capacity for problem-solving, self-direction, and the ability to work independently within time constraints. You must be flexible and able to respond to our changing organizational needs.
Location & details#
This is a paid, full-time, on-site internship for Summer 2027 based in St. Louis, Missouri. The internship runs from June 1 to July 30, 2027, with a mandatory in-person orientation from June 1 to June 4. Interns typically work Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. We are unable to 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.
