Legal Internships/Externships

Open to 1st and 2nd year law students

The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA) is pleased to offer unpaid summer and school-year intern/externships to interested law school students. A minimum commitment of 12 hours per week is required during the school year. Summer positions are full-time and last a minimum of seven weeks.

At the ACLU, law students gain exposure to a broad range of civil liberties and civil rights issues and an opportunity to improve legal writing and research skills. Students work closely with staff attorneys conducting legal research, writing legal memoranda and drafting correspondence to government agencies in response to documented complaints of civil liberties and civil rights violations. Students also assist ACLU attorneys in the development of cases for litigation, preparation of cases for trial and submission of amicus curiae briefs in courts of appeal.

Educational benefits include obtaining hands-on experience in applying constitutional theories and case law to legal problems, and learning how to conduct factual investigation of complaints. Students become familiar with administrative regulations and agency protocols, while developing a practical understanding of constitutional law. Academic credit can be arranged.

Prerequisites include academic standing as a 1st or 2nd year law student, an interest in civil liberties and civil rights, good interpersonal and analytical skills, and the ability to write in a clear and concise manner.

How to Respond:

Interested students should submit a cover letter, résumé and legal writing sample by Nov. 15, 2008 for a Spring Externship or Dec. 31, 2008 for a Summer Internship to:

Legal Director
ACLU of Washington
705 Second Avenue, Suite 300
Seattle, WA, 98104

legalprogramassistant@aclu-wa.org

Women, people of color, LGTB people, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.