Spring 2027 Legal Intern, Disability Rights Program

ACLU•San Francisco, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks a Spring Legal Intern for its Disability Rights Program at the National office. This position can be remote or hybrid, based in Washington, D.C. or San Francisco. The internship is for course credit only and requires applicants to be currently matriculated legal students based in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. 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 program works to prevent the segregation and overrepresentation of people with disabilities in civil and criminal institutions like nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, jails, and prisons. The ACLU has a long history of advocating for disability rights, contributing to landmark achievements such as the ADA and efforts to stop coerced mental health treatment and unnecessary institutionalization. DRP engages in litigation and advocacy to enforce disability rights laws, combat discrimination, reduce the overrepresentation of people with disabilities in the criminal legal system, and ensure disaster planning considers the needs of the disabled community. They also promote alternatives to guardianship and advocate for equal access to voting, while supporting affiliates and the National office on disability rights issues intersecting with civil liberties.

Requirements

Currently matriculated legal students.
Must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
Must have completed coursework 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.
Formally submit an application.

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.
Assist in factual investigation.
Assist in 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.
Conduct legal research.
Perform legal writing, such as memos and portions of court submissions.
Provide support in preparation for and during court cases, such as depositions, oral argument, hearings, or trial.