Fall 2026 Liberty and National Security Legal Internship

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.    

The Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security (LNS) Program fights to preserve constitutional values in the post-9/11 world. The LNS Program focuses on reining in the abuse of emergency powers by the executive branch and preventing excessive government secrecy. We work to protect fundamental freedoms while keeping Americans safe. That means protecting citizens’ privacy, updating privacy laws to account for new technologies, working to ensure that counterterrorism authorities are narrowly targeted to the terrorist threat, and securing adequate oversight and accountability mechanisms.
 

Note: This internship is in-person at our Washington D.C. office. 

We seek law students to work alongside staff in our Washington DC office on the Brennan Center’s policy advocacy, research, and litigation initiatives. Activities may include legal and policy analysis; legislative drafting at federal, state, and local levels; administrative and legislative advocacy; public education and scholarship; and litigation in trial and appellate courts. The Brennan Center’s interns are integral to all aspects of our work, including programmatic and strategic planning. We strive to offer a fun and intellectually challenging legal intern experience that supports and supplements the vital advocacy offered by the Brennan Center.  

Interns may assist with a variety of activities, including conducting legal research and writing for amicus briefs, policy reports, and other advocacy documents; drafting communications to legislators; assisting with writing comments to federal agencies; attending coalition meetings; drafting posts for the Brennan Center blog; and more. 

Qualifications: 
Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills; initiative, imagination, and versatility; and a passion for our issues.

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.   

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

This internship is only open to law students in Fall 2026.

Hours: Approximately 10 – 15 hours per week 

Pay: $20.90 per hour 

Duration: September – December 2026

Application Deadline: July 24, 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.  
 
The following materials are required to apply for our internship: 

1. a cover letter explaining why you are interested in Liberty & National Security (DC) policy issues; 

2. a current law school transcript; 

3. a legal writing sample (up to 10 pages); 

4. a current resume; and 

5. contact information for three supervisor references 

Note: there may be an exercise or further materials requested if selected for an interview 

To Apply: 
Please visit >>LINK HERE<< and upload all of the required materials (see above). 
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 “LNS DC Legal Fall 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.