Summer 2026 Legal Internship - Externship

ACLU of Washington • Seattle, WA

3d

About The Position

The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA) is pleased to offer internships to interested law school students for the upcoming Summer of 2026.

At the ACLU-WA, law students gain exposure to a broad range of racial justice, civil liberties and civil rights issues and the opportunity to improve legal writing and research skills. Students work closely with staff attorneys conducting legal research, writing legal memoranda, and drafting correspondence to government agencies in response to documented complaints of civil liberties and civil rights violations. Students also assist ACLU attorneys in the development of cases for litigation, preparation of cases for trial, and submission of amicus curiae briefs in courts of appeal. Students will gain experience working within an organization that is committed to centering the voices and lived experiences of directly impacted communities.

Educational benefits include obtaining hands-on experience in applying constitutional theories and case law to legal problems and learning how to conduct factual investigation of complaints. Students become familiar with administrative regulations and agency protocols, while developing a practical understanding of constitutional law. Academic credit can be arranged.

The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture and are committed to race equity in all aspects of our work. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, socio-economic circumstance, or record of arrest or conviction. Women, people of color, LGTB people, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

The ACLU of Washington comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Inc. and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation. The two corporations share the same overall mission, office space, and employees. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU of Washington”.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
ACLU-WA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email [email protected] to receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the application process. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding accommodations during the interview process.
The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, socio-economic circumstance, or record of arrest or conviction. We do not conduct criminal background checks on our candidates. People of color, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• academic standing as a rising 2L or 3L during the 2026 summer internship time period
• an interest in civil liberties and civil rights
• good interpersonal and analytical skills
• the ability to write in a clear and concise manner

Responsibilities

• conducting legal research
• writing legal memoranda
• drafting correspondence to government agencies in response to documented complaints of civil liberties and civil rights violations
• assisting ACLU attorneys in the development of cases for litigation
• preparation of cases for trial
• submission of amicus curiae briefs in courts of appeal

What This Job Offers

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