Legal Intern, Policy

The community you will join:

Airbnb is seeking a Legal Intern to join the Policy Legal team for our 2026 Summer Intern Program from June 1, 2026 - August 21, 2026.

The Airbnb Policy Legal Team supports Airbnb’s business by identifying and navigating legal risks associated with short‑term rental regulations in the United States and Canada. Through strategic initiatives, the team works to unlock supply and provides legal education to external stakeholders on the pro‑competitive benefits of short‑term rentals. The team partners closely with cross‑functional stakeholders (including public policy, product, and business operations teams) to provide legal guidance on short‑term rental legislation and regulations throughout the regulatory lifecycle, including advising on Airbnb products and tools developed in response to new or evolving regulatory requirements.

The intern experience:

As an intern, you’ll be integrated into a team where you’ll contribute to challenging projects. Your manager, team, and our incredible employee community will strive to be superhosts to you during the summer. We provide the support, mentorship, fun, and real world experience needed to accelerate your learning and make a real impact on our product, as Airbnb revolutionizes connection, belonging, and travel.

The difference you will make:

Interns will have a unique opportunity to gain practical experience supporting an in‑house legal policy team that works on cutting‑edge strategic initiatives and advises cross‑functional teams on industry legislation, regulatory matters, and product compliance. Projects will include performing legal research on topics related to short‑term rentals, property rights, and internet platform immunities and defenses; working with team members to review and provide feedback on legislative and regulatory proposals; and creating legal materials for meetings and presentations with internal and external stakeholders.

During your internship, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Collaborate with multiple team members to achieve project milestones
• Communicate with stakeholders across different teams to provide project updates
• Seek and provide feedback throughout the internship
• Actively participate in and contribute to the Legal Policy Team and broader Airbnb community

Your expertise:

This opportunity is for first-year (1L) students enrolled full-time at a nationally-accredited law school with the following background:

• Demonstrated interest in public policy/policy law, property law,  as evidenced by courses taken, extracurriculars, or  previous experience (such as in government or government affairs) 
• Strong interest in learning about in-house legal practice and about multiple practice areas
• Great verbal and written communication skills and interest in honing new communication skills 
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Adaptable and able to adjust plans and manage changes effectively
• Strong interpersonal skills and interest in initiating and building relationships and collaborating with teams within and outside of Legal
• Passion for the Airbnb mission; experience with the platform is a plus!
• Work authorization for employment in the United States is required (CPT/OPT is accepted) - visa sponsorship is unavailable
• Based in New York City, Washington DC, or San Francisco - relocation is unavailable

Your location:

Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant will need to be based in New York, Washington DC, or San Francisco to be able to conduct their work. Currently, you must live in a state where Airbnb, Inc. has a registered entity. Click here for the up-to-date list of excluded states. This list is continuously being updated, please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list.  If your position is employed by another Airbnb entity, your recruiter will inform you what states you are eligible to work from. 

How to apply:

As part of your application package, you’ll be asked to submit the following a resume and a cover letter that addresses the following:

• how one or more Airbnb Core Values resonates with you,
• why you are interested in policy law, 
• what positive significant impact this internship will provide for you, and
• how your background meets the expertise requirements above.

Click here for resume and application tips and tricks from Airbnb’s Early Career and Emerging Talent team and Legal Team before you submit. 

Deadline to apply: Monday, January 12th at 11:59 pm PST

Our commitment to inclusion & belonging:

Airbnb is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse ideas foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creatively-led people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We strive to also provide a disability inclusive application and interview process. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in order to submit an application, please contact us at: [email protected]. Please include your full name, the role you’re applying for and the accommodation necessary to assist you with the recruiting process. 

We ask that you only reach out to us if you are a candidate whose disability prevents you from being able to complete our online application. 

How we’ll take care of you:

Our job titles may span more than one career or degree level. This role may also be eligible for benefits and Employee Travel Credits. 

Currency: USD    Pay rate: $48 per hour