Intern, Legal, Innovation Policy

ABA - American Bankers Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 2,066,000 - 8,266,000; Full time

Job summary

American Bankers Association in Washington, DC, offers a paid internship for JD students. The program runs June 7, 2027 – August 13, 2027, with a 37.5-hour week and onsite work at least two days per week. Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited JD program and plan to return in Fall 2027.

The internship provides exposure to ABA’s policy work across divisions, with opportunities to engage leadership, build a network, and contribute to meaningful projects in a national context.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited J.D. program.
• Strong analytical and writing abilities are required.
• Ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Create, organize, and maintain public and member-facing resources on ABA policy positions.
• Support the Office of Innovation with research and drafting materials.
• Contribute to ABA policy positions on AI, data sharing/privacy, and digital assets.
• Assist with management of committees and working groups.
• Support strategy execution across ABA.

Skills

Legal research

Policy analysis

Written & oral communication

Team leadership

Public speaking

Education

J.D. program enrollment

Job description

Want to work for a great Organization? The American Bankers Association is the banking industry's champion.

Joining ABA makes you part of a team that:

• has Extraordinary People - ABA experts are the "go to" sources for bankers, policy makers and the media for credible information and insights for the banking industry.
• has Unmatched Scope and Scale - ABA's unparalleled information and services keep members current, knowledgeable and prepared.
• is Impact-Driven - ABA has a proven record of bringing about positive change for our members and the industry.

We take action and achieve results. Plus competitive pay, an outstanding benefits package, a convenient DC location, a professional collegial work environment and an opportunity to work on issues of national significance equals a winning combination!

Employer of Choice: ABA is recognized with a 2025 Great Company Culture Award and 2025 Great Place to Work designation!

Job Description

June 7, 2027 – August 13, 2027 Pay rate for law students is $35/hour

To be eligible for this internship, candidates must be currently enrolled in an accredited J.D. program and must be returning to law school for the Fall 2027 semester following the completion of the Summer 2027 internship.

Full-time; 37.5 hours per week

Based in Washington, DC, with an expectation to work onsite at least two days per week.

ABA’s Internship provides students with a paid opportunity to work with one of the biggest trade associations in Washington, DC. This extremely selective opportunity provides students with the opportunity to do substantial work in various divisions across ABA, connect with leadership, build a network, and make a difference.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create, organize, and maintain public and member-facing resources to aid in understanding ABA’s policy positions, getting educated on recent developments, and operationalizing requirements/best practices (e.g., see www.aba.com/AI and www.aba.com/stablecoins).
• Support the Office of Innovation by conducting research and drafting written materials (e.g., white papers, FAQ documents, compliance guides, presentation materials).
• Contribute to the development of ABA's policy positions on laws and regulations in the team's remit, including artificial intelligence, data sharing/privacy, and digital assets.
• Assist with the management of the team's committees and working groups.
• Support the team's work across ABA to execute strategy and ensure alignment.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are relevant to the team's portfolio.

Required Skills

• Adept at research and practical application.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas through speech, writing and presentations.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and the initiative to independently research, analyze, and develop insights on emerging legal and policy issues.
• Able to pivot quickly and effectively in response to changing organizational needs.
• Strong record of leadership.
• Attention to detail.
• Team-oriented mindset.

Preferred

• Familiarity with federal legislative and regulatory processes, particularly for banking.
• Talent for web design and organizing information.

Minimum Education Requirements

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited J.D. program and must be returning for the Fall 2027 semester.

Salary Band Range

$15.00 - $37.50 - $60.00

American Bankers Association (ABA) is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The American Bankers Association is the voice of America’s banks—the small, midsize, regional and large banks that together employ more than 2 million women and men and help drive America's economy. Please join us and become a part of a rapidly transforming industry that drives growth and innovation at home and around the world.