Summer 2027 Justice Legal Internship

brennancenter; New York (NY); On-site; USD 8,400 - 9,400; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend program

Paid internship

Job summary

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law in New York City invites law students for a summer internship focused on policy advocacy and legal research. You will collaborate with staff on amicus briefs, legislative drafting, advocacy at federal, state, and local levels, and public education initiatives.

The program emphasizes rigorous research and practical experience in the policy domain. Qualified candidates will have strong legal research and writing skills, initiative, and a

Qualifications

• Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Initiative, imagination, and versatility.
• Passion for our issues and commitment to diversity.

Responsibilities

• Legal research and writing for amicus briefs, policy reports, and advocacy documents.
• Draft communications to legislators and assist with public comments to federal agencies.
• Attend coalition meetings and draft posts for the Brennan Center website.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Policy analysis

Education

Law student (J.D. candidate)

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Job description

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

Note: This internship is in-person at our New York City office.

Legal interns work alongside staff on policy advocacy and research initiatives. Activities may include legal and policy analysis; legislative drafting at federal, state, and local levels; administrative and legislative advocacy; public education and scholarship. We strive to offer a fun and intellectually challenging legal intern experience that supports the vital advocacy offered by the Brennan Center.

Specific responsibilities may include legal research and writing for amicus briefs, policy reports, and other advocacy documents; draft communications to legislators; assist with public comments to federal agencies; attend coalition meetings; draft posts for the Brennan Center website; and more.

Qualifications: Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills; initiative, imagination, and versatility; and a passion for our issues.

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway.

In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.

This internship is only open to law students in Summer 2027.

Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm EST)

Pay: The Brennan Center offers stipends to summer legal interns through the Les Fagen Legal Internship Program, thanks to the generosity of Brennan Center Board member, Les Fagen. The stipend amounts will be:

• 1Ls - $8,360 stipend for 10 weeks
• 2Ls - $9,360 stipend for 10 weeks

Note: If you are working more or less than 10 weeks, a pro-rated stipend amount will be calculated if awarded. The same applies if you are working less than 40 hours a week. You will typically receive payment via physical check within your first two weeks of employment (subject to change).

Duration: June – August 2027 (10 weeks)

Application Deadline: January 4, 2027

Note: The Brennan Center will follow the rules of your school regarding internships. Therefore, if a school doesn’t allow you to do a paid internship for some reason (i.e., receiving credit, etc.), then your internship will not be paid. In addition, if you are participating in a formal school internship program that allows you to work more than our stated hours, we will make a determination based on our needs and further assessment of your school’s program.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.