Summer 2026 Legal Intern, Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief

ACLU - Internships • Washington, DC

43d • Remote

About The Position

The ACLU seeks a Summer Legal Intern in the Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief of the ACLU’s National office in Washington, D.C. This internship is remote. Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated legal students and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship. The Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief works to safeguard the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty by ensuring that laws and governmental practices neither promote religion nor interfere with its free exercise. Building on the ACLU’s century of work defending these constitutional principles, the Program employs an integrated strategy of litigation, public education, and advocacy. Summer interns will have the opportunity to gain meaningful legal experience by assisting PFRB's attorneys in various aspects of litigation, from developing new cases to researching and writing briefs at the district-court and appellate-court levels. Interns will gain exposure to a variety of prominent religious-freedom issues.

Requirements

• Currently matriculated legal students.
• Based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
• Completed at least one year of law school prior to the commencement of the internship.
• Excellent research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• The initiative to see projects through to completion.
• The ability to work with a wide range of people.
• A strong interest in and commitment to civil rights and civil liberties and the ACLU’s mission.
• A dedication to diversity within the office, using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and socio-economic circumstance.
• The ability to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts and to center principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in all work.

Nice To Haves

• In their cover letter, applicants should discuss their interest in religion and civil liberties, including any relevant life or work experience gained before or during law school.

Responsibilities

• Assisting PFRB's attorneys in various aspects of litigation, from developing new cases to researching and writing briefs at the district-court and appellate-court levels.
• Gaining exposure to a variety of prominent religious-freedom issues.
• Drafting memoranda, affidavits, and briefs.
• Conducting legal and policy research.
• Researching prospects for new litigation, including factual and legal claims.
• Researching and drafting materials for public education.
• Tracking and analyzing legislative bills.

Benefits

• A stipend is available for those students who are lawfully authorized to work.
• Students who receive outside funding are eligible for a partial stipend to bring their total funding up to the level of the ACLU’s stipend amount for the summer.
• Legal interns receive a stipend amount of $24/hour (stipends are taxed)

What This Job Offers

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