The ACLU seeks an Undergraduate Intern in the Legal Department – National Security Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York, New York. 

The National Security Project fights for people and communities harmed by the government in the name of national security. Recognizing the danger of expansive claims of state power, we advocate for a robust system of checks and balances and policies that comply with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights. Through the courts, Congress, and public education, we strive to ensure that all people are able to participate fully in civic life and are free from discrimination, unwarranted suspicion and surveillance, unlawful force and detention, and the stigma and other injustices that result from these abuses.

The intern will be responsible for supporting the National Security Project’s legal and advocacy work over the course of the summer. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The National Security Undergraduate Intern will be responsible for a wide range of administrative and substantive tasks to support and advance our litigation and advocacy efforts in the national security context. This is a 10-week internship position to take place in Summer 2025.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

Interns will gain valuable experience by working with the team on a wide variety of issues. Responsibilities may include the following:

• Reviewing and logging government documents in National Security Project online databases
• Organizing and archiving case files
• Conducting factual research
• Engaging in special projects and other duties as assigned

FUTURE ACLU’ERS WILL

• Center principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in all work, embedding the values in program development, policy application, and organizational practices and processes
• Demonstrate a commitment to the mission of the ACLU
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity within the office using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences with regard to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and socio-economic circumstance
• Demonstrate a commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

The internship is open to undergraduate students. Interns should possess the following:

• A strong interest in human rights and civil liberties issues
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
• Strong computer and web-based research skills
• Strong organizational skills
• The initiative to see projects through to completion
• A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice
• Commitment to the mission of the ACLU

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience, through personal connection or work experience, working with historically marginalized communities whose civil rights and liberties are harmed by discriminatory or abusive national security policies

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW

• Location: This internship is a hybrid position in our NY National Office. Interns will be expected to work in-person in the NY National Office at least two days per week during the 10-week internship. Please note that if the ACLU’s hybrid work requirements change prior to the start of the summer internship program, this requirement may be adjusted.
• Time Commitment: Summer internships require a full-time commitment (35 hours/week).
• Internship Duration: Full-time internships span 10 consecutive weeks and begin either May 27, 2025 or June 9, 2025.
• Stipend: A stipend is available for those students who do not receive course credit and are lawfully authorized to work. Students who receive outside funding are eligible for a partial stipend to bring their total funding up to the level of the ACLU’s stipend amount for that term, if applicable. Arrangements can be made with educational institutions for work/study or course credit. Below is the stipend breakdown:
• $20/hour for undergraduate students or equivalent experience

Priority Application Deadline: Applications preferred by March 7, 2025.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled, but priority review will be given to applications submitted on or before March 7, 2025. All applications must include a CV, cover letter and writing sample. 

ABOUT THE ACLU

The ACLU dares to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party, or side. Our mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees. For over 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it’s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people from government abuse and overreach. 

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency, and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization — one that respects and embraces difference, treats everyone equitably, and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. We are as committed to anti-oppression and anti-racism internally as we are externally. Because whether we’re in the courts or in the office, we believe “We the People” means all of us.

Our Commitment to Accessibility, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. For us, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just check-the-box activities but a chance for us to make long-term meaningful change. With this commitment in mind, 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, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

The ACLU does not accept unsolicited calls or emails from candidates regarding their application status.