Fall 2026 Legal Intern, Criminal Law Reform Project

ACLU - Internships • Washington, DC

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks a Legal Intern in the Criminal Law Reform Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York City or Washington, D.C. This is a part time position that may be remote or hybrid. This internship is for course credit only. Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated legal students and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.

The Criminal Law Reform Project advocates for the constitutional and civil rights of those impacted by criminal legal systems. We use litigation and advocacy to confront systemic government conduct that fuels the carceral state and police abuse, and oppresses people based on race, class, and other characteristics. CLRP does this work because everyone suspected, accused, or convicted of a crime deserves dignity, fairness, and an opportunity to thrive. Ultimately, we seek to shift power to under-resourced communities and to elevate approaches to justice and safety that advance fundamental rights for all.

The Project’s current priorities are combatting police violence while bolstering individual rights against police authority; protecting the fundamental right to pretrial liberty; eliminating excessive conditions of post release supervision; and creating robust public defense systems to guarantee the constitutional right counsel. CLRP works closely with the ACLU’s National Political Advocacy Department, our Communications Department, and our affiliates to advance an affirmative vision for criminal legal system reform.

Requirements

• Currently matriculated legal students
• Based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship
• Completed at least one year of law school before the internship commences
• Excellent research skills, including conducting internet and legal database research
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and writing
• Attention to detail, excellent organizing and time-management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• The initiative to see projects through to completion
• A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and racial justice

Nice To Haves

• Be 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
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts

Responsibilities

• Assisting in factual investigation
• Legal research and writing to advance litigation and integrated advocacy
• Support CLRP litigation work and integrated advocacy across our priority areas
• Legal research
• Legal writing, such as memos and portions of court submissions
• Fact investigation
• Support in preparation for and during court cases, such as depositions, oral argument, hearings, or trial

Benefits

• This internship is for course credit only.
• This internship must be tied to the intern’s formal education program by integrated coursework or the receipt of academic credit.

What This Job Offers

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