Spring 2027 Liberty and National Security Undergraduate Internship

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.

We are seeking interns to provide research, administrative, and clerical support to staff in our Washington D.C office.

Note: This internship is in-person at our Washington D.C. office.

Responsibilities

The Liberty and National Security Program (LNS) interns typically conduct research on program issues, such as surveillance, religious and racial profiling, counter-terrorism initiatives, and presidential emergency powers; copy-editing and cite checking research papers, blogs, op-eds, or other materials; assisting with scheduling, mailing publications, and maintaining contact lists. In addition, interns may occasionally assist with general administrative and clerical work for the LNS program, including filing, photocopying, shipping and mailing, coordinating meetings, setting up meeting space, and assisting with travel arrangements and expense reports. There are also opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.

All interns will assist with research, clerical work, and general administrative tasks for the Brennan Center. Administrative tasks can include, but not limited to, assisting front desk and assisting with tasks within events. Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.

Qualifications

The ideal candidates are independent self-starters; detail-oriented; energetic; punctual; and highly organized. Interns must also have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a passion for our issues. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Research database experience is very helpful (e.g., JSTOR, ProQuest, Congressional, Document Cloud). Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities.

Note: This internship is only open to undergraduate students in Spring 2027.

• Hours: Approximately 10-20 hours per week
• Pay: $18.40 per hour
• Duration: Spring Semester 2027
• Application Deadline: November 23, 2026

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.