About the role#
The Office of the General Counsel at NPR is seeking a legal extern for the Summer 2027 term. This position supports the legal team in managing copyright, fair use, and licensing matters. The role is designed as a learning experience for law students to gain practical insight into legal issues within a multimedia organization. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week commitment for 12 weeks, running from May 10, 2027, to August 13, 2027.
What you'll do#
- Evaluate copyright issues related to audio and video content.
- Conduct legal research on copyright topics.
- Perform fair use determinations.
- Draft and organize permissions agreements.
- Assist with Rights Management issues.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited law degree program as a 2L or 3L.
- Completion of a course in copyright law or an equivalent program.
- Comprehensive knowledge of basic copyright principles and fair use.
- Familiarity or experience with Intellectual Property law.
- Ability to obtain course credit through your law school.
Location & details#
This role is based in Washington, D.C., but offers flexibility in work modality. You may work remotely from an approved location, on-site at an NPR facility, or through a hybrid arrangement. Please note that this externship is unpaid and intended to be completed for academic credit or through a school-sponsored stipend.
About NPR
NPR is a nonprofit organization that produces and distributes broadcast media. Founded in 1970, the company operates from its headquarters in Washington, DC. It employs over 2,500 people to support its news and podcast production. The organization maintains a network of journalists across 17 international bureaus to provide reporting on events, ideas, and culture.
How to get in at NPR
Securing an internship at NPR requires speed because high-volume roles often fill quickly. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first before the pile grows. Applying early ensures your materials are reviewed while the team is still actively building their candidate pool. You can use Intern Insider to identify the recruiters behind these roles and reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. Connecting with a human contact often improves your response rates compared to submitting an application into a general queue.
