Democracy Legal Internship - New York

Job description
Contribute to impactful legal work through litigation and policy projects at the Brennan Center for Justice.

Your Role:

Key responsibilities include:
• Working alongside staff in the New York office on policy advocacy, research, and litigation initiatives during the Fall 2025 semester.
• Conducting legal, policy, and factual research in support of administrative and legislative advocacy at federal, state, and local levels.
• Supporting public education and scholarship, complex factual research, and litigation in trial and appellate courts.
• Assisting with programmatic and strategic planning.
• Assignments may include work on voting rights, election administration reform, campaign finance reform, empowerment of historically disenfranchised communities, protecting the independence and integrity of the courts, and eliminating partisan gerrymandering.
• Conducting legal research and writing for amicus briefs, policy reports, and other advocacy documents.
• Drafting communications to legislators and comments to federal agencies.
• Attending coalition meetings and drafting posts for the Brennan Center blog.
• Participating in all aspects of the Democracy Program’s work.

About You:

Candidates should possess the following:
• Current enrollment as a second or third-year law student.
• Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Initiative, imagination, and versatility.
• A passion for issues related to democracy and justice.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, with applications encouraged from candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
• Willingness to apply even if not meeting 100% of the qualifications.

Compensation Benefits:
• $20.00 per hour.
• Approximately 10–15 hours per week.
• Internship is in-person at the New York City office.
• The Brennan Center will follow the rules of your school regarding paid internships; if your school does not allow paid internships, the internship will be unpaid.
• Participation in a formal school internship program may allow for additional hours, subject to the Center’s needs and school program assessment.
• Professional experience in a leading nonpartisan law and policy institute.

Training Development:
• Interns are integral to all aspects of the Brennan Center’s work, offering a fun and intellectually challenging experience that supports and supplements vital advocacy.
• Opportunities to engage in rigorous research, policy development, and advocacy.
• Exposure to programmatic and strategic planning, coalition meetings, and public education efforts.

Career Progression:
• Experience gained in this role may support future opportunities in public interest law, policy advocacy, and legal research.
• Interns gain skills and experience relevant to careers in law, government, and nonprofit sectors.

How to Apply:

Submit the following materials:
• A cover letter explaining your interest in Democracy (NY) policy issues and what you hope to contribute to the role.
• A current law school transcript.
• A legal writing sample (5–10 pages).
• A current resume.
• Contact information for three supervisor references.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested students are encouraged to apply early, as positions will be filled once qualified candidates are found. No phone calls, please.

This job may close before the stated closing date, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible

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