Summer 2026 Legal Department Undergraduate Internship

Washington D.C., DC

Internship

Student (College)

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think-tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.    

We are seeking an intern to provide administrative, research, writing, and general project support to the Legal Department. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work directly alongside the General Counsel and legal department, providing aspiring law students with substantive exposure to some legal research, policy analysis, and strategic legal thinking.

Note: This internship is in-person at our DC office.

Responsibilities:  
All interns will assist with general research and administrative work for the Brennan Center, including coordinating meetings, and drafting routine correspondence. There will also be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.  

In addition to administrative duties, the Legal Department Intern will work in collaboration with the General Counsel and her team to identify opportunities to systematize and enhance the department’s recordkeeping systems related to compliance and litigation processes. Specific responsibilities may include:

Assisting with data entry relating to past and current litigation matters

Compiling template litigation pleadings and court rules

Reviewing and updating litigation-related website content

Preparing and updating guidance documents for staff distribution

Researching special projects as assigned

Experience/Skills/Requirements:  
The ideal candidates are independent self-starters, operate with a high-level of integrity, confidentiality and discretion, highly organized, detail-oriented, friendly, punctual, energetic, and have a sense of humor. Interns must also have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a passion for our issues. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is necessary, and database or other information-management experience is very helpful. Applicant must be open to evolving responsibilities.  

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. 

If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.  

This internship is only open to current undergraduate students.

Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm EST)  

Pay: $17.95 per hour   

Duration: June – August 2026 (10 weeks) 

Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 

Note: The Brennan Center will follow the rules of your school regarding internships. Therefore, if a school doesn’t allow you to do a paid internship for some reason (i.e., receiving credit, etc.), then your internship will not be paid. In addition, if you are participating in a formal school internship program that allows you to work more than our stated hours, we will make a determination based on our needs and further assessment of your school’s program. 

To Apply:
Please visit >>LINK HERE<< and upload (preferably in pdf) your (1) resume, (2) cover letter and (3) a list of contact details for three supervisor references. In your cover letter, please specify why you are interested in the role.  
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested students to apply early, as the positions will be filled once qualified candidates are found. No phone calls, please.

If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “Legal Department DC Summer Internship” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

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This is an in person internship.

If you are applying for the fall or spring, you will be completing approximately 10 – 20 hours in office per week. If you are applying for the summer, you will be working a full time schedule, Monday – Thursday from 9am – 5pm and Fridays from 9am – 2pm. Your schedules for Fall/Spring/Summer will be coordinated with your manager.

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