Fall 2026 Legal Externship

ACLU of Utah • Salt Lake City, UT

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU of Utah is accepting applications for a paid extern position for the fall semester of 2026. The ACLU of Utah’s Legal Department focuses on strategic litigation to challenge unjust laws, advance civil rights and liberties, and create lasting change for Utahns. The department handles federal and state court cases on various public impact issues at trial and appellate levels, and also engages in legal advocacy and public education. The externship is a hybrid position, involving both remote and in-office work, and requires applicants to be based in Utah. Externs will be paid $17.50 per hour and classified as temporary/short-term employees. They may also be eligible to receive academic or pro bono credit through their law schools.

Requirements

• Law students who will have completed at least one year of law school before the externship commences
• Strong writing, research, and communication skills
• Ability to understand and convey legal information to non-attorney audiences
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects at one time
• Ability to work independently and in small teams
• A strong understanding of and commitment to the concepts of Diversity and Inclusion in a team setting, executed in the ability to respect and value the differences in experience and belief of others
• A personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, involvement with the criminal justice system, and socio-economic circumstance
• A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, social justice; and protecting the inherent human worth and dignity of all people across Utah
• A deep interest in issues related to civil rights and civil liberties including but not limited to immigrants’ rights, LGBTQ+ issues, disability rights, police practices, constitutional and criminal law, free speech, and criminal legal reform
• A commitment to the mission of the ACLU of Utah

Responsibilities

• Drafting memoranda, affidavits, and briefs
• Conducting legal and policy research
• Reviewing and sorting voluminous document production, litigation materials, and intake correspondence
• Researching and creating Know Your Rights materials for public education
• Researching, drafting, and submitting public records requests under State and Federal Open Records Statutes
• Other projects as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree