Fall 2026 Legal Externship

Aclu-of-Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

ACLU of Utah is seeking a fall 2026 extern for the Legal Department. The position is hybrid (remote/in-office) in Utah with 8–10 hours per week from mid-September to December 4, 2026.

Externs are paid $17.50 per hour for the duration and may earn academic credit through their law school. Open to law students who have completed at least one year of law school. Rolling applications.

Qualifications

• Strong writing and research skills.
• Ability to convey legal concepts to non-attorneys.
• Excellent organizational skills and multitasking.
• Ability to work independently or in small teams.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in a team setting.
• Commitment to civil liberties and civil rights in Utah.
• Interest in issues related to civil rights and civil liberties.

Responsibilities

• Draft memoranda, affidavits, and briefs.
• Conduct legal and policy research.
• Review documents and litigation materials.
• Prepare Know Your Rights materials for public education.
• Submit public records requests under open records laws.
• Assist on other projects as assigned.

Skills

Writing

Research

Communication

Organization

Independent work

Diversity & Inclusion

Civil Liberties

Civil Rights

Legal concepts

Education

Law student (1L+)

Job description

The ACLU of Utah isnowaccepting applicationson a rolling basisfora paidexternposition for the fall semester of 2026.The ACLU of Utah's Legal Departmentpursues strategic litigation that challenges unjust laws, advances civil rights and liberties, and delivers lastingchange for as many Utahns as possible.The Legal Departmentmaintainsan active federal and state court docket across a variety of public impact issues at the trial and appeal levels. The Legal Department also engages in legal advocacy and public education outside the courtroom.

Position Details

• Time Commitment:The extern is expected to commit between8-10hours per weekfrom mid-September 2026to December4, 2026.The hours and duration of the externship can be accommodated tocomply withschool policy.

• Location:The externship is a hybrid positionthat includesbothremoteandin-office work. Applicants must be based in Utah.

• Compensation:Externs will be paid a rate of $17.50 an hourfor the duration of their externship by the ACLU of Utahand will be classified as temporary/short-term employees.If eligible,externs may register withtheirlaw schoolsto receiveacademic or pro bono credit.

Roles and Responsibilities

Interns will gain valuable experience by working with the legal team on a wide variety oflegal matters.Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Drafting memoranda,affidavits,and briefs;

• Conducting legal and policy research;

• Reviewing and sortingvoluminous document production,litigation materials,and intakecorrespondence;

• Researching andcreatingKnow Your Rightsmaterials for public education;

• Researching,drafting, andsubmittingpublic records requests under State and Federal Open Records Statutes; and

• Other projects as assigned.

RequiredExperience

This externship is open to law students who will have completed at least one year of law school before the externshipcommences. Externs will ideallypossessthe following:

• Strong writing, research, and communication skills;

• Ability to understand and convey legal information to non-attorney audiences;

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projectsat one time;

• The ability to work independently and in small teams;

• A strong understanding ofand commitment tothe concepts of Diversity and Inclusion in a team setting, executed in the ability to respect and value the differences in experience and belief of others.Apersonal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, involvement with the criminal justice system, and socio-economic circumstance.

• A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, socialjustice;and protecting the inherent human worth and dignity of all people across Utah.

• A deep interest in issues related to civil rights and civil liberties including but not limited to immigrants' rights,LGBTQ+ issues,disabilityrights,police practices, constitutional and criminal law, free speech, and criminal legal reform;

• A commitment to the mission of the ACLU of Utah.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis beginning onSeptember 22026,and accepting applications until September18, 2026.

The ACLU of Utah is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please e-mail HR [e-mail]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

The ACLU of Utah is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please e-mail HR at [e-mail]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.