Summer 2027 Legal Intern, Capital Punishment Project

ACLU - Internships • Durham, NC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks a Summer Legal Intern in the Capital Punishment Project, Justice Division of the ACLU’s National office in Durham, N.C. This is a hybrid position. Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated legal students and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship. The Capital Punishment Project, part of the ACLU’s Center for Justice, challenges the unfairness and arbitrariness of capital punishment while working toward the ultimate goal of abolishing the death penalty. The Project engages in public advocacy and strategic litigation, including the direct representation of capital defendants, challenges to systemic problems in the administration of capital punishment, and amicus briefing.

Requirements

• Currently matriculated legal students
• Must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship
• Applicants should be current law school students who will have completed their first year of school before the internship commences
• A demonstrated/ strong interest in the abolition of the death penalty and a commitment to civil rights
• Excellent research, writing and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Strong computer skills, particularly web-based research and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel)
• Initiative to see projects through to completion
• Committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
• Committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts

Responsibilities

• Legal and policy research
• Legal writing
• Conducting legal and policy research
• Drafting memoranda, affidavits, and briefs
• Researching prospects for new litigation, including both factual and legal claims
• Researching and drafting materials for public education
• Support in preparation for and during court cases, such as depositions, oral arguments, hearings, or trials

Benefits

• Stipend is available for those students who are lawfully authorized to work.
• Students who receive outside funding are eligible for a partial stipend to bring their total funding up to the level of the ACLU’s stipend amount for the summer.
• Legal interns receive a stipend amount of $24/hour (stipends are taxed)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree