Summer 2027 Democracy Legal Internship - NYC and DC
About the role
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute working to improve democracy and justice in the United States. Its Liberty and National Security Program (LNS) advances national security policies that respect the rule of law and constitutional values, focusing on congressional and judicial checks on executive power, reform of emergency powers, ending profiling, strengthening First and Fourth Amendment protections in the digital age, and enhancing transparency and oversight of homeland security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. The summer 2027 legal internship is offered in‑person at the New York City or Washington, D.C. office, where interns assist staff with policy advocacy, research, and litigation.
Responsibilities
- Legal research and writing for amicus briefs, policy reports, and other advocacy documents
- Drafting communications to legislators
- Assisting with public comments to federal agencies
- Attending coalition meetings
- Drafting posts for the Brennan Center website
- Supporting litigation in trial and appellate courts
- Conducting factual research to advance administrative and legislative advocacy at federal, state, and local levels
- Contributing to public education and scholarship initiatives
Qualifications
- Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills
- Initiative, imagination, and versatility
- Passion for liberty and national security issues
Pay
The Brennan Center provides stipends through the Les Fagen Legal Internship Program. Amounts are $8,360 for 1Ls and $9,360 for 2Ls for a 10‑week summer term. Stipends are pro‑rated for internships shorter or longer than 10 weeks or for schedules under 40 hours per week. Payment is typically issued as a physical check within the first two weeks of employment. Note: If your school’s policies prohibit paid internships, the position will be unpaid; similarly, if you participate in a formal school program allowing hours beyond the stated schedule, eligibility for payment will be assessed based on the center’s needs and your school’s program.
Schedule
Interns work Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. The internship runs for 10 weeks from June through August 2027.