The ACLU's National Political Advocacy Department is seeking a Spring 2026 Graduate or Legal Intern for the Justice Policy & Government Affairs team. In this role, you will support strategic policy campaigns and legislative analysis to advance the ACLU's mission of defending civil liberties and civil rights.
What You'll Do
- Assist with identifying opportunities to advance civil liberties and civil rights in complex policy areas through multiple methods at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Assist with developing strategic legislative and administrative policy options.
- Assist with preparing and drafting testimony on pending legislation before Congressional committees or federal regulatory agencies and other legislative or regulatory bodies at the state and local/municipal levels, as relevant.
- Assist with coordinating in-depth civil liberties briefings for government officials as pertinent to advancing priority ACLU positions.
- Help coordinate strategy designed to reach campaign goals or other policy/political outcomes across ACLU departments, ACLU affiliates, and coalition partners.
What We're Looking For
- Currently enrolled law or graduate student.
- Must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, ending mass incarceration, and challenging racism in the criminal legal system.
- Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct complex research, analysis and fact-finding.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a team.
- Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion.
Team & Environment
You will be part of the Justice Policy & Government Affairs team within the National Political Advocacy Department, reporting to the Division Director. Our culture is committed to advancing the ACLU's mission, centering equity and inclusion, and working collaboratively toward resolving obstacles.
Work Mode
This is a remote position. The role is based out of Washington D.C.
We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
