Summer 2026 Internship, Democracy and Security Network, Legal

German Marshall Fund of the United States; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 20,911 - 29,783; Part time

Job summary

The German Marshall Fund of the United States is seeking part-time program trainees from June 2026 to September 2026 to assist with legal research and program support. Trainees will gain valuable experience while working in-person and remotely.

Eligible candidates are law students or graduates, and positions offer a compensation of $18.40 per hour with a time commitment of 20-30 hours per week.

This is a unique opportunity for those interested in public policy or international affairs, allowing for engagement with experts and networks in the field.

Qualifications

• Strong analytic, writing, and speaking skills in English.
• Excellent organizational skills and attentiveness to detail.
• Knowledge of or demonstrable interest in transatlantic democratic backsliding.
• Demonstrable research skills.
• Previous experience in a think tank, government body, or media outlet preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze legal authorities related to military deployment and justice.
• Provide research, writing, and editing support on publications.
• Support engagements with legislative staff and others.

Skills

Strong analytic skills

Writing skills

Speaking skills in English

Organizational skills

Research skills

Education

Law student or law degree

Job description

GMF’s Democracy and Security Network is seeking part‑time program trainees for the period from June 2026 to September 2026 to assist with legal research, legal analysis, and program support. The legal trainee will support the team with essential legal activities around the intersection of civil‑military relations, democratic resilience, and the law.

Trainees will benefit from exposure to GMF’s experts and network, and will gain valuable research, analysis, and writing experience. The traineeship will consist of both in‑person and remote work. Only applicants who are in law school or who have a law degree are eligible. The position will be compensated at a rate of $18.40 per hour with a flexible time commitment of 20‑30 hours per week. Trainees are offered an ideal opportunity to acquire substantive professional experience for those interested in a career in public policy or international affairs.

Potential Key Areas Of Responsibility

• Research and analysis of legal authorities related to military deployment, military justice, and military oversight.
• Research and analysis of civil‑military relations and authorities across a wide range of state, federal, and international contexts.
• Provide research, writing, and editing support on publications related to the military, democracy, and society.
• Support to engagements with legislative staff and others.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong analytic, writing, and speaking skills in English.
• Excellent organizational skills and attentiveness to detail.
• Knowledge of or demonstrable interest in issues of transatlantic democratic backsliding, civil‑military relations, and military legal authorities.
• Law student or law degree.
• Demonstrable research skills.
• Previous experience in a think tank, foundation, NGO, government body, media outlet, or similar organization preferred but not required.
• Comfortable with multi‑tasking and working independently.

Start And Length Of Traineeship

• Preferred start and end: June 2026 – September 2026.
• Preferred time commitment: 20‑30 hours per week, Monday–Friday between 9 AM to 5 PM (EST preferred).

Due to a high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

GMF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.