2026 - Summer Associate - Justice

Alliance for Justice

6d•$8,000 - $8,000•Remote

About The Position

Alliance for Justice (AFJ) is a national association of more than 135 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. For more than 45 years we have been leaders in the fight for a more equitable society on behalf of a broad constituency belief that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have their voices heard when government makes decisions that affect their lives. Over the course of four decades our vision has remained steadfast—to protect and expand pathways to justice and the democratic process—while our programs and tactics have been nimble and resilient, evolving with changing times and the needs of our members and the progressive community. We train and educate nonprofit organizations on advocacy tools to maximize their impact, while harnessing their collective power to transform our state and federal courts. All AFJ summer associate opportunities are part of a comprehensive program designed to make the experience meaningful, engaging, and professionally enriching. In addition to the day-to-day work with your team, you’ll be supported by an intern program coordinator who ensures that interns get the most out of their time with us. The program includes weekly activities, opportunities for intern bonding, and professional development sessions to help you grow your skills and build connections. Our intern Lunch & Learn series, which showcases the range of expertise we have across AFJ staff, provides insights on a wide variety of career paths, advocacy skills, and nonprofit work. Together, these elements create a well-rounded internship that combines hands-on experience with mentorship and community—making AFJ a great place to spend your summer. AFJ's 2026 Summer Associates will work in one of three teams within the AFJ Justice Team: (1) our Federal Courts team, (2) our Building the Bench initiative, or (3) our State Court Justice Project. On the Federal Courts team, AFJ vets nominees to the federal judiciary. AFJ educates a variety of stakeholders to ensure that only fair, qualified individuals committed to the law and social justice are confirmed. AFJ also works to identify and advocate for the strongest potential nominees to the federal judiciary who reflect the country's demographic and experiential diversity. Associates will provide legal research on judicial nominees, monitor and report on the Supreme Court (term reviews, current event monitoring, etc.), and participate and contribute to coalition partners and strategy initiatives. Individuals have the opportunity to write and publish their own blog posts, attend Senate Judiciary Committee hearings (if they occur), and connect with a variety of leaders across the nonprofit sector. AFJ’s Building the Bench initiative identifies, recruits, and advocates for a highly qualified and demographically and experientially diverse pool of candidates for federal and state judgeships. Associates will contribute legal research, candidate research, and strategic input to support the Building the Bench team’s work in identifying and supporting movement-aligned candidates for the bench. This will include researching potential judicial vacancies and the selection process for each vacancy, as well as expanding AFJ’s national reach. With 95% of all cases in the United States filed in state courts, those courts serve an essential role in guarding democracy and protecting civil and human rights. AFJ’s State Court Justice Project educates the public about important state supreme court elections and vacancies nationwide, monitors noteworthy state supreme court cases, and details judicial selection methods for state supreme courts to help organizers, policymakers, voters, and media outlets better understand how judges in their states are chosen.

Requirements

Current law student
Excellent research, writing, and oral communications skills
Ability to analyze and clearly explain concepts of law and public policy
Demonstrated experience breaking down complex topics to non-expert audiences
An interest in federal appellate law and the federal judiciary
Experience in advocacy and/or political work
A demonstrated commitment to social justice, civil rights, and public interest issues is essential
Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the state supreme court selection landscape is a plus but not required

Responsibilities

Monitor, analyze, and write about state supreme court cases, media, and policy developments
Monitor state and federal judicial nominations and vacancies
Conduct comprehensive research analyzing nominees’ records and then draft reports for judicial gatekeepers, press, the public, and key stakeholders
Research and vet prospective judicial candidates
Attend confirmation hearings
Attend coalition meetings and take notes
Conduct research and analysis related to judicial reform, judicial ethics, and a broad array of public interest law issues
Support meetings with key legislative offices in coordination with AFJ staff
Identify state and federal judges who should be honored for their judicial legacies
Work with Communications and Development teams to draft press releases, blog posts, and web content
Perform other duties as necessary