About the role#
The Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs offers law students hands-on experience in civil rights litigation and advocacy. Interns work under the supervision of staff on a variety of assignments throughout the semester or summer.
What you'll do#
Interns support the litigation and advocacy agenda through several tasks:
- Perform factual and legal research.
- Draft memos or pleadings.
- Participate in case and issue area check-ins and strategy sessions.
The work covers areas including economic stability, fair housing, access to public services, educational opportunity, and advocacy for individuals in the criminal legal system.
What you'll need#
- A commitment to social justice.
- Availability during the Spring 2026 semester.
- The ability to receive school credit for this unpaid internship.
- If a summer stipend is not available, the ability to secure external funding.
Location & details#
This position is based in Washington, DC. The work involves a combination of remote and on-site tasks. Internships are available on a part-time basis with a 15-hour weekly minimum or as a full semester commitment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
About Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
The Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is a nonprofit organization founded in 1968. Based in Washington, District of Columbia, the group focuses on civil rights litigation for marginalized communities across the DMV region and the country. Its work covers areas such as fair housing, workers' rights, and criminal legal system reform. The organization maintains a staff of 75 people and partners with pro bono lawyers to support its legal initiatives.
How to get in at Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
Securing an internship at the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs often comes down to timing. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first applicants before the pile grows. Getting your materials in early ensures you are seen while the team is still reviewing the initial pool. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company's roles. Reaching out directly to ask about the role or a referral often improves your response rate compared to waiting in a queue. It is a more effective way to demonstrate your interest in their civil rights work.
