Summer 2026 Legal Internship Externship
Share
Job Location:
Seattle, OR - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
4 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
First Review of Applicants Scheduled for February 20 2026
The ACLU of Washington(ACLU-WA) advances liberty and justice in the courts in the legislatures in the streets and at the ballot box. Our work is rooted in the belief of a future where everyone in Washington particularly those who have been historically and systematically denied full enjoyment of their promised civil rights and liberties are finally free to do so without barriers. Defending and advancing these fundamental rights and core values requires exceptional staff.Learn more about the ACLU-WA.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA) is pleased to offer internships to interested law school students for the upcoming Summer of 2026.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
At the ACLU-WA law students gain exposure to a broad range of racial justice civil liberties and civil rights issues and the opportunity to improve legal writing and research skills. Students work closely with staff attorneys conducting legal research writing legal memoranda and drafting correspondence to government agencies in response to documented complaints of civil liberties and civil rights violations. Students also assist ACLU-WA attorneys in the development of cases for litigation preparation of cases for trial and submission of amicus curiae briefs in courts of appeal. Students will gain experience working within an organization that is committed to centering the voices and lived experiences of directly impacted communities.
Educational benefits include obtaining hands-on experience in applying constitutional theories and case law to legal problems and learning how to conduct factual investigation of complaints. Students become familiar with administrative regulations and agency protocols while developing a practical understanding of constitutional law. Academic credit can be arranged.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Prerequisites include academic standing as a rising 2L or 3L during the 2026 summer internship time period an interest in civil liberties and civil rights good interpersonal and analytical skills and the ability to write in a clear and concise manner.
FUTURE WA ACLUers WILL
- Be committed to advancing the mission vision and values of the ACLU-WA.
- Center and embed the principles of equity inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives; and
- Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.
LOCATION: Seattle Washington
CLASSIFICATION: This job posting provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. The ACLU-WA reserves the right to change the content of this posting at any time without advance notice. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and approved at (1) fulltime equivalent (FTE).
MENTAL DEMAND: Decision-making high emotional intelligence giving and receiving feedback and building trusting relationships. The nature of this work can be emotionally demanding and requires thoughtful and clear communication and resilience.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS: 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 required at our downtown Seattle location.
Our office is generally open between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is located in downtown Seattle. The physical demands and work environment described below represent those required and encountered by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Input information into a computer for long periods of time
- Sit or stand for extended periods
- View data on a computer screen for long periods of time
TOTAL COMPENSATION: The ACLU-WA seeks to provide equitable and competitive compensation for attracting and retaining staff with the skill judgment and perseverance to confront challenges to civil rights and civil liberties and build a state where all people live with dignity and equity enjoying freedoms unimpeded by racial and economic injustice and other forms of oppression. We provide a mix of compensation for staff that is intended to address todays needs and allow planning for tomorrow and into retirement. As such the ACLU-WA has adopted a salary scale for measuring how to best compensate its employees.
The pay for this position is $22.00 per hour.
EQUIPMENT: ACLU-WA provides laptops home office supplies certain equipment and technology support. You will need an effective Wi-Fi connection and a way to communicate by phone. This position is eligible for a $150 stipend each month to help cover any additional costs while working from home.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested students should submit a cover letter resume and legal writing sample in PDF format on our online job portal.
In your cover letter please explain how your background and/or experience could contribute to the diversity cultural vitality and perspective of our staff and advocacy work. Please also indicate your expected start and end dates.
HIRING TIMELINE: This position is open until filled with the first review of candidates scheduled for February 20 2026. We will schedule interviews with qualified candidates after the first review of candidates.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
ACLU-WA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance applying online please email to receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the application process. If you are selected for an interview you will receive additional information regarding accommodations during the interview process.
The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race color religion sexual orientation gender identity or expression age national origin marital status citizenship disability veteran status socio-economic circumstance or record of arrest or conviction. We do not conduct criminal background checks on our candidates. People of color women LGBTQ people and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
Required Experience:
Intern
Key Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Public Relations
- Google Docs
- Data Collection
- MailChimp
- Microsoft Word
- Dermal Fillers
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Research Experience
- Microsoft Excel
- Adobe Photoshop
- Writing Skills
About Company
The ACLU is the nation’s premier civil rights and civil liberties organization. It is an unwavering voice of freedom, fairness and equality for all people in America. We work in the courts, the legislatures, and in our communities to protect and extend basic rights for everyone.
