Fall 2026 Legal Department Externship

ACLU of Washington•Seattle, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU of Washington (ACLU-WA) advances liberty and justice in the courts, in the legislatures, in the streets, and at the ballot box. Our work is rooted in the belief of a future where everyone in Washington, particularly those who have been historically and systematically denied full enjoyment of their promised civil rights and liberties, are free to do so without barriers. Defending and advancing these fundamental rights and core values requires exceptional staff. The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA) is pleased to offer an externship to interested law school students for the upcoming Fall 2026 term. Educational benefits include obtaining hands-on experience in applying constitutional theories and case law to legal problems and learning how to conduct factual investigation of complaints. Students become familiar with administrative regulations and agency protocols, while developing a practical understanding of constitutional law. Academic credit can be arranged.

Requirements

Academic standing as a rising 2L or 3L during the 2026 Fall externship time period
An interest in civil liberties and civil rights
Good interpersonal and analytical skills
Ability to write in a clear and concise manner
Access to a computer for long periods of time
Remain stationary for extended periods
Access information communicated through a computer
An effective Wi-Fi connection
A way to communicate by phone

Nice To Haves

Background and/or experience that could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of the staff and advocacy work

Responsibilities

Conducting legal research
Writing legal memoranda
Drafting correspondence to government agencies in response to documented complaints of civil liberties and civil rights violations
Assisting ACLU attorneys in the development of cases for litigation
Assisting in litigating cases through pre-trial matters and trial
Assisting in submission of amicus curiae briefs in both state and federal appellate courts
Gaining experience working within an organization that is committed to centering the voices and lived experiences of directly impacted communities