Summer 2027 Democracy Legal Internship - NYC and DC

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 the fight against terrorism. 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 hiring law students to intern with our Liberty and National Security Program (LNS) in our New York and Washington, DC offices for the summer of 2027. The LNS Program works to advance effective national security policies that respect the rule of law and constitutional values. Our current program priorities include ensuring that Congress and the courts serve their constitutional role as a check on executive power in the area of national security and domestic terrorism; reforming emergency powers to strengthen safeguards against abuse; ending racial, religious, and ethnic profiling in counterterrorism policies; bolstering First and Fourth Amendment protections in the digital age; and enhancing transparency, oversight, and accountability for homeland security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. 

 

Note: This internship is in-person at our New York City or Washington D.C. office.

Legal interns work alongside staff on policy advocacy, research, and litigation initiatives. Interns may assist with a variety of activities, including legal, policy, and factual research to advance administrative and legislative advocacy at federal, state, and local levels; public education and scholarship; and litigation in trial and appellate courts. 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; drafting communications to legislators; assisting with public comments to federal agencies; attending coalition meetings; drafting 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 following materials are required to apply for our internship: 

1. a cover letter explaining why you are interested in Liberty & National Security policy issues; 
2. a current law school transcript; 
3. a legal writing sample (5-10 pages); 
4. a current resume; and 
5. contact information for three supervisor references 

To Apply:
Please visit >> LINK HERE << and upload all of the required materials (see above). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested students to apply early, as the positions will be filled once qualified candidates are found. No phone calls, please.  

If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: View email address on brennancenter.applytojob.com with “Summer LNS Legal Internship” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred. 

 

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.