Fall 2026 Legal Department Externship

About the role#

The ACLU of Washington offers an externship for law students during the Fall 2026 term. This role provides hands-on experience in applying constitutional theories and case law to real-world legal problems. Externs gain exposure to a broad range of racial justice, civil liberties, and civil rights issues while working closely with staff attorneys. Academic credit can be arranged for this position.

What you'll do#

• Conduct legal research and write legal memoranda.
• Draft correspondence to government agencies regarding civil liberties and civil rights violations.
• Assist staff attorneys in the development of cases for litigation, including pre-trial and trial matters.
• Compose amicus curiae briefs for state and federal appellate courts.
• Learn to conduct factual investigations of complaints and navigate administrative regulations.

What you'll need#

• Current enrollment as a rising 2L or 3L law student for the Fall 2026 term.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated interest in civil liberties and civil rights.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusting relationships.
• Resilience and the ability to engage in thoughtful communication regarding emotionally demanding work.

Location & details#

• Location: Seattle, Washington.
• Work Modality: Hybrid, with a requirement to work in the office a minimum of two days per week.
• Duration: Minimum of 10 weeks.
• Compensation: This is an unpaid externship; students should receive academic credit for hours worked.