Spring 2027 Civil Rights Legal Internship

ArchCity Defenders • Saint Louis, MO

8d • Onsite

About The Position

ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a holistic legal advocacy organization dedicated to combating the criminalization of poverty and state violence, particularly in communities of color. ACD's integrated approach, encompassing civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration, strives to achieve justice and equitable outcomes for individuals throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. ACD envisions a society free from oppressive systems, where justice and racial equity are realized. We aim for communities that prioritize well-being, health, and transformation over criminalization and incarceration, allowing people to live freely and thrive regardless of race or income. While continuing to serve clients in St. Louis, ACD is actively working towards systemic change in the region's criminal legal systems. The Civil Rights Litigation team spearheads this effort through impact litigation on critical issues such as debtors' prisons, police misconduct, cash bail, and jail conditions, primarily utilizing federal Section 1983 litigation, including class actions and individual cases. Alongside impact litigation, ACD remains committed to improving clients' lives through direct representation. The Direct Representation teams handle cases in areas including housing, consumer, criminal, and municipal law, divided into two teams: one focused on housing and civil advocacy, and the other on criminal and municipal defense. Both teams' work informs the Civil Rights team's efforts. Legal interns will select their preferred team but will generally have similar internship experiences. Interns seeking more direct client interaction may prefer the direct representation team, while those interested in federal court experience or extensive motion drafting may prefer the Civil Rights team.

Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Detail-oriented approach to working in a team-driven organization.
• High capacity for problem-solving and self-direction.
• Ability to work independently within time constraints.
• Flexibility and ability to respond appropriately to ACD’s changing needs.
• Commitment to racial and economic justice and systems change.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity toward diverse populations.
• Awareness of structures of power, privilege, and oppression.
• Undergraduate students will engage in research, drafting, discovery, document review, investigation, and administrative work.
• Undergraduate students are encouraged to attend and observe court proceedings with staff attorneys.
• Must be able to work part-time for 8-12 weeks.
• Cannot simultaneously engage in more than one internship.

Nice To Haves

• An intern seeking more individual client contact will likely prefer to work with the direct representation team.
• An intern seeking federal court experience or lengthier motion drafting experience would likely prefer to work with the Civil Rights team.

Responsibilities

• Perform fact and legal research to support claims and issues.
• Draft memos synthesizing research findings, as well as motions, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Assist with discovery and investigation.
• Interview and communicate with clients or class members.
• Attend court hearings and proceedings with staff attorneys, where applicable.
• Function as part of an interdisciplinary team, coordinating with attorneys and staff to support ACD’s mission.
• Expand ACD's reach through collaborative work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed