Summer 2027 Legal Intern, Disability Rights Program

ACLU • San Francisco, WA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks a Summer Legal Intern for the Disability Rights Project at its National office in Washington D.C. or San Francisco, CA. This position can be remote or hybrid. Applicants must be currently enrolled legal students based in the U.S. for the internship duration. The Disability Rights Program (DRP) aims to create an America free from disability discrimination, where individuals with disabilities are valued and integrated members of society with full access to education, housing, healthcare, employment, family life, voting, and civic engagement. The DRP works to prevent the segregation and overrepresentation of people with disabilities in institutions like nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, jails, and prisons. The ACLU has a long history of advocating for disability rights, contributing to landmark legislation like the ADA and achieving victories in areas such as coerced mental health treatment and unnecessary institutionalization. The DRP litigates and advocates using disability rights laws to combat discrimination, address the overrepresentation of people with disabilities in the criminal legal system, and ensure the needs of the disabled community are considered in emergency disaster planning. They also work on alternatives to guardianship and securing equal access to the ballot, while providing support to affiliates and the National office on intersecting disability rights and civil liberties issues.

Requirements

• Currently matriculated legal students who will have completed at least two years 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.
• Must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.

Nice To Haves

• Personal, professional, and/or academic experience with disability and disability rights, including candidates with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in legal research and writing, including memos and portions of court submissions.
• Conduct factual investigation.
• Support strategic advocacy to advance litigation and integrated advocacy.
• Participate in litigation, advocacy, and internal meetings and discussions.
• Support DRP litigation work and integrated advocacy across priority areas.
• Assist in preparation for and during court cases, such as depositions, oral arguments, hearings, or trials.

Benefits

• Stipend available for students lawfully authorized to work.
• Partial stipend available for students receiving outside funding to supplement their total funding.
• Stipend amount of $24/hour (stipends are taxed).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed