Acluinternships

Fall 2026 Legal Intern, Human Rights Program

New York · Intern · Internship

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 41 days ago

AccessibilityExcelLogisticsResearchCommunicationOrganizational Skills

About the role

The ACLU seeks a Legal Intern in the Human Rights Program of the ACLU's National office in New York City.
This is a Hybrid, part-time position for course credit only.

Our legal internship is designed to provide interns with the opportunity to conduct human rights and legal research and to work on all aspects of domestic and international advocacy HRP is working on.

Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated legal students and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.

A demonstrated / strong interest in protecting and expanding civil and human rights
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently, as well as in a team
Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
Strong computer skills, particularly web-based research including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel)
The initiative to see projects through to completion
Knowledge and experience using the human rights framework and the international human rights system are a plus
Knowledge and experience working on immigration and criminal legal system issues, especially extreme punishment, sentencing and juvenile justice are a plus

Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
This internship must be tied to the intern's formal education program by integrated coursework or the receipt of academic credit.
Our Commitment to Accessibility, Equity, Diversity & 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.
We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email benefits.hrdept@aclu.org.

The Human Rights Program is part of the ACLU's Center for Democracy, which works to strengthen democratic institutions and values, including the values of government transparency and accountability, and to reinforce the United States' commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
The Center for Democracy includes - in addition to the Human Rights Program - the Speech, Privacy and Technology Project and the National Security Project, and also works closely with staff from the ACLU's Communications Department, Affiliate Support and Advocacy Department, and Washington Legislative Office.
The Human Rights Program (HRP) is dedicated to holding the U.S. government accountable to its international human rights obligations and commitments.
The Program uses human rights strategies to complement existing ACLU legal and legislative advocacy primarily in the areas of immigrants' rights, prisoners' rights, criminal law reform, and racial justice.
HRP conducts human rights documentation and related advocacy to combat human rights violations in the U.S., and it engages in advocacy and litigation before U.S. courts and international bodies, including the United Nations and regional human rights bodies (such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights).
We are as committed to anti-oppression and anti-racism internally as we are externally.

The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.

race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteris

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