Summer 2026 - Law Intern, Sentencing Reform

Vera Institute of Justice • Brooklyn, NY

7d • $17 - $25 • Hybrid

About The Position

Vera aims to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they are fair for all . The Sentencing Reform project seeks to change excessive sentences that emerged in the “tough on crime” era of the 1980s and 1990s and are still prevalent . The Sentencing Project is work ing in New York, Illinois and Michigan to advocate for sentencing changes that deliver safety and repair harm through decreasing the use and length of prison sentences prospectively and providing opportunities for people serving long sentences to reduce their time behind bars through rehabilitation and good behavior . Vera’s assets of advocacy, research, and strategic messaging and communications make us well positioned to take on this work, in coalition with others, particularly crime survivors. The Law Intern will conduct legal research about sentencing law and policy in the three target states as well as others as needed. Reporting to the Director of Sentencing Reform, the Law Intern will learn: To do statutory and case law research about sentencing law To understand how this research affects ongoing legislative campaigns to reform sentencing laws

Requirements

• Law student
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

• Technical knowledge helpful for this role: Zoom, PowerPoint, Microsoft Office Suite, Google, etc.

Responsibilities

• Policy research State, and local policy, legal and legislative research
• Researching scholarly and media reports about campaigning for sentencing reforms
• D rafting memos about sentencing law and policy
• Assisting with special events and programming like workshops and training

Benefits

• merit pay
• generous paid time off
• a comprehensive health insurance plan
• student loan repayment benefits
• professional development training opportunities and up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work
• employer-funded retirement plan
• flexible time

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees