Summer 2026 Legal Intern, Human Rights Program

ACLU - Internships • New York, NY

96d • $24

About The Position

The ACLU seeks a Summer Legal Intern in the Human Rights Program of the ACLU’s National office in New York City. This position is hybrid. Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated legal students and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship. The Human Rights Program is part of the ACLU’s Center for Democracy, which works to strengthen democratic institutions and values, including the values of government transparency and accountability, and to reinforce the United States’ commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The Center for Democracy includes – in addition to the Human Rights Program – the Speech, Privacy and Technology Project and the National Security Project, and also works closely with staff from the ACLU’s Communications Department, Affiliate Support and Advocacy Department, and Washington Legislative Office. The Human Rights Program (HRP) is dedicated to holding the U.S. government accountable to its international human rights obligations and commitments. The Program uses human rights strategies to complement existing ACLU legal and legislative advocacy primarily in the areas of immigrants’ rights, prisoners’ rights, criminal law reform, and racial justice. HRP conducts human rights documentation and related advocacy to combat human rights violations in the U.S., and it engages in advocacy and litigation before U.S. courts and international bodies, including the United Nations and regional human rights bodies (such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights).

Requirements

• Currently matriculated legal students based in the U.S.
• Completion of the first semester of law school before the internship commences
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently, as well as in a team
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
• Strong computer skills, particularly web-based research including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel)
• The initiative to see projects through to completion

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience using the human rights framework and the international human rights system
• Knowledge and experience working on immigration and criminal legal system issues, especially extreme punishment, sentencing and juvenile justice

Responsibilities

• Conducting legal and policy research
• Drafting memoranda, affidavits and briefs
• Researching prospects for new litigation, including both factual and legal claims
• Researching and drafting materials for public education and human rights documentation
• Researching and drafting materials for advocacy before regional and international bodies

Benefits

• A stipend of $24/hour for those students who are lawfully authorized to work

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees