Fall 2026 - Law Extern, Reshaping Prosecution

About the role#

The Reshaping Prosecution program focuses on transforming the role of prosecutors to address mass incarceration, pursue racial equity, and increase transparency. This externship provides students with an opportunity to engage in substantive legal work, ethics, and professional development under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Externs will support projects involving technical assistance to District Attorney offices and community-based organizations across the country.

What you'll do#

• Collaborate with attorney site leads to develop equitable diversion programs and support existing partnerships.
• Conduct legal research related to diversion programming, including legal eligibility and statutory interpretation.
• Perform community and policy landscape research and manage advocacy efforts.
• Draft written content for a wide audience and develop community outreach strategies.
• Participate in weekly or biweekly meetings to develop work plans, discuss organizational activities, and receive performance feedback.
• Gain insight into prosecutorial discretion, including case screening, charging, due process, and constitutional issues.

What you'll need#

• Current enrollment in law school with at least two semesters completed (2L or higher) or enrollment in a Masters of Public Policy program.
• Successful completion of a course in Legal Reasoning, Research & Writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with advocates, government officials, criminal legal system personnel, practitioners, and people directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Canva.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Preferred background in public policy, curriculum development, teaching, social work, political science, or criminal justice.

Location & details#

• This is an on-site role based in the Washington, DC office in Dupont Circle.
• Externs must be available to work on-site 2-3 days a week, up to 20 hours per week.
• This position is for the Fall 2026 term.
• This is an unpaid externship intended for academic credit.