About the role#
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. is hiring litigation interns for the Summer 2027 term. You will work within the Litigation and Strategic Initiatives Departments to support advocacy efforts in criminal justice, economic justice, education, and political participation. This is an unpaid, full-time, on-site internship requiring at least ten weeks of commitment. LDF may provide funding for students who cannot secure support from their law school or other sources.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal research and write memoranda.
- Perform factual investigations and discovery review.
- Develop educational and outreach materials.
- Participate in brown bag luncheons with civil rights and public interest attorneys.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in law school, with a preference for second-year students (first-year students will be considered).
- Ability to conduct legal research and produce strong writing.
- Interest in civil rights law and racial justice.
- Academic background in fields such as Political Science, Criminal Justice, Philosophy, or Business Administration.
Location & details#
- Locations: New York, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; or Washington, District of Columbia.
- Modality: On-site, with a requirement to be in the office two days per week.
- Application requirements: A cover letter, résumé, a five to ten-page writing sample, and three references. Please specify your preferred office location in your cover letter.
About NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund is a nonprofit organization focused on civil and human rights. Founded in 1940 by Thurgood Marshall, it operates as a law firm based in New York. The organization works to achieve racial equity through litigation, advocacy, and public education. Its staff of 51 to 200 employees addresses issues including criminal justice, voting rights, and economic justice.
How to get in at NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.
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