Legal Department Internship - Winter/Spring 2025: Unpaid Opportunity with the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington

Join the ACLU-WA Team as a Legal Department Intern for Winter/Spring 2025

The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA) is a leading advocate for liberty and justice in Washington State. We are committed to defending and advancing the fundamental rights and core values that ensure everyone in Washington can live without barriers. As part of our mission, we are offering an exciting internship opportunity for law school students to join our Legal Department for the Winter/Spring 2025 semester.

About the ACLU-WA

The ACLU of Washington advances liberty and justice in the courts, legislatures, streets, and at the ballot box. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone in Washington, particularly those historically and systematically denied full enjoyment of their promised civil rights and liberties, should be free to do so without barriers. We defend and advance these fundamental rights and core values through exceptional staff work.

Internship Overview

As a Legal Department Intern with the ACLU-WA, you will gain hands-on experience working on a broad range of racial justice, civil liberties, and civil rights issues. You will work closely with our staff attorneys to conduct legal research, write legal memoranda, and draft correspondence to government agencies in response to documented complaints of civil liberties and civil rights violations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analyze case law to support ACLU-WA attorneys in litigation cases
• Draft legal memoranda, correspondence, and other documents related to civil liberties and civil rights issues
• Assist ACLU-WA attorneys in developing cases for litigation, preparing cases for trial, and submitting amicus curiae briefs in courts of appeal
• Gain practical experience applying constitutional theories and case law to legal problems
• Develop a deeper understanding of administrative regulations and agency protocols
• Improve your legal writing and research skills

Educational Benefits

This internship provides a unique opportunity for law students to gain hands-on experience in applying constitutional theories and case law to legal problems. You will learn how to conduct factual investigations of complaints, develop a practical understanding of constitutional law, and become familiar with administrative regulations and agency protocols. Academic credit can be arranged for this internship.

Requirements and Qualifications

To be eligible for this internship, you must:

• Be a rising 2L or 3L law student during the Winter/Spring 2025 internship period
• Have a strong interest in civil liberties and civil rights
• Possess good interpersonal and analytical skills
• Be able to write clearly and concisely

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following qualifications are preferred:

• Prior experience working on civil liberties or civil rights issues
• Familiarity with constitutional law and administrative regulations
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

What We Look for in Future ACLU-WA Team Members

At the ACLU-WA, we value team members who:

• Are committed to advancing our mission, vision, and values
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and respect for multiple perspectives
• Are able to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts

Work Environment and Culture

The ACLU-WA observes a hybrid workstyle, with some staff working primarily remotely while others work in the office several days a week. Occasional in-person meetings are required at our downtown Seattle location. Our office is generally open between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Compensation and Benefits

This internship is unpaid, but academic credit can be arranged. The internship is part-time or full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and passionate law student looking for an exciting internship opportunity, please submit your application by November 17, 2024. Your application should include:

• A cover letter
• A resume
• Two references
• A legal writing sample in PDF format

Apply now and join our team in advancing liberty and justice in Washington State!

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