The ACLU seeks a Legal Intern in the National Political Advocacy Department of the ACLU’s National office in Washington, DC. This internship is part-time and hybrid.

Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated undergraduate students or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.

The Team:

The National Political Advocacy Department (NPAD) works to strengthen the efforts of the ACLU at the federal, state, and local levels of government. The department harnesses the political power that comes from having more than eight million members and supporters, as well as affiliates in every state. By organizing grassroots lobbying and issue campaigns using modern tactics, the ACLU seeks to continue to achieve change as profound in the legislative, administrative and electoral arenas as it accomplishes through the courts.

The Democracy and Technology Policy & Government Affairs team is made up of eight members, including seven attorneys, who work with Congress, state legislatures, regulatory agencies and others to strengthen and protect rights to voting, free speech, and privacy; to advance racial justice; and to ensure that emerging technologies (in artificial intelligence, algorithmic decision-making, and surveillance) are not used to deny rights or discriminate.

What You’ll Do

The intern will work on legal and policy research and writing-related projects centered on voting, racial justice, free speech, technology policy, or democracy reform. They will assist members of our team with researching and analyzing legislation, elected officials, coalition partners, and relevant developments in the political and advocacy landscapes on the state and federal levels. They will help prepare advocacy and public education materials, correspondence, and reports as needed. They will also support our team's efforts to do congressional outreach through the form of briefings, meetings on Capitol Hill, and letters.

Your Day to Day

Conducting legal and policy research, drafting reports, and analyzing state and federal legislation, advocacy efforts, and related legal and policy issues
Preparing advocacy and public education materials; drafting memorandum and correspondence
Monitoring legal and legislative developments in state legislatures and in Congress, as well as regulatory and administrative actions by the Trump administration
Working with teammates to manage projects; engaging in special projects and other duties as assigned

What You’ll Bring

Knowledge of government and policy, of technology and democracy reform, and of impacted communities
Strong research, writing, analysis, and communication skills. The intern will be able to craft messages for different audiences, within and outside of the ACLU
Organized, proactive, and willing to learn; able to balance differing responsibilities and prioritize; able to manage projects and see them through to completion
Able to work well independently, as part of a team; able to handle confidential information and exercise discretion
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite preferred

Future ACLU-ers Will

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 conflict

Internship Logistics

Location: Our internship program offers a limited number of remote or hybrid intern positions. This internship is part-time and hybrid from our Washington D.C. office.
Time Commitment: Part-time (10,15 or 20hrs/week)
Internship Duration: Part-time internships span 12 consecutive weeks. This internship has a start date of: Jan. 11th or Jan. 25th, 2027
Stipend: A stipend is available for students who are lawfully authorized to work. Arrangements can be made with educational institutions for work/study or course credit.