Spring 2027 Legal Intern, State Supreme Court Initiative

ACLU - Internships • Washington, DC

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks a Spring Legal Intern in the State Supreme Court Initiative of the ACLU’s National office. This position can be part-time or full-time and eligible for remote or hybrid work based in our office in New York, NY or Washington, D.C. This position 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 SSCI is a team of attorneys and legal fellows, dedicated to strengthening and expanding the ACLU’s voice in state supreme courts. Working with the ACLU’s affiliates around the country, along with other projects in the ACLU’s national office, the SSCI identifies cutting-edge cases of constitutional import in state supreme courts and files briefs in those cases, either as amicus curiae or co-counsel. It also facilitates strategic collaboration among the ACLU’s state affiliates and other partners engaged in state constitutional litigation and works with affiliates to develop strategies for building civil liberties and civil rights doctrine in their states.

Requirements

• Currently matriculated legal students.
• Must be 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 by conducting internet searches and using Westlaw, PACER, and other law-related databases.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and in writing, and both in-person and via teleconferencing services.
• Attention to detail, organization, time management, and adherence to deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

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

• Research and writing projects relating to litigation in state courts, with a focus on state supreme courts.
• Assisting with civil rights and civil liberties litigation and research in state courts across the country.
• Draft memoranda, motions, and portions of briefs.
• Conduct legal and factual research concerning issues and cases in state courts around the country, with a focus on state supreme courts.
• Track cases and issues of interest to the SSCI.

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