Summer 2027 Liberty and National Security 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 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 the fight against terrorism. 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. We are hiring law students to intern with our Liberty and National Security Program (LNS) in our New York and Washington, DC offices for the summer of 2027. The LNS Program works to advance effective national security policies that respect the rule of law and constitutional values. Our current program priorities include ensuring that Congress and the courts serve their constitutional role as a check on executive power in the area of national security and domestic terrorism; reforming emergency powers to strengthen safeguards against abuse; ending racial, religious, and ethnic profiling in counterterrorism policies; bolstering First and Fourth Amendment protections in the digital age; and enhancing transparency, oversight, and accountability for homeland security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. Note: This internship is in-person at our New York City or Washington D.C. office.

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
• Working alongside staff on policy advocacy, research, and litigation initiatives

Requirements

• Open to law students for Summer 2027 only
• In‑person internship in New York City or Washington, D.C.
• Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills
• Initiative, imagination, and versatility
• Passion for liberty and national security policy issues

Pay

The Brennan Center offers stipends to summer legal interns through the Les Fagen Legal Internship Program. Stipend amounts for a 10‑week period are:

• 1Ls: $8,360
• 2Ls: $9,360

If you work more or less than 10 weeks, or less than 40 hours per week, a pro‑rated stipend will be calculated. Payment is typically issued via physical check within the first two weeks of employment. Note: The Brennan Center will follow the rules of your school regarding internships; if your school does not permit a paid internship, the internship will not be paid.

Schedule

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST.

Duration: June – August 2027 (10 weeks).