Fall 2026 Legal Externship

The ACLU of Utah isnowaccepting applicationson a rolling basisfora paidexternposition for the fall semester of ACLU of Utahs Legal Departmentpursues strategic litigation that challenges unjust laws advances civil rights and liberties and delivers lastingchange for as many Utahns as Legal Departmentmaintainsan active federal and state court docket across a variety of public impact issues at the trial and appeal levels. The Legal Department also engages in legal advocacy and public education outside the courtroom.

Position Details

• Time Commitment:Theexternis expected to commit between8-10hours per weekfrom mid-September 2026to December4 hours and duration of the externship can be accommodated tocomply withschool policy.

• Location:The externshipis a hybrid positionthat includesbothremoteandin-office work. Applicants must be based in Utah.

• Compensation:Externs will be paid a rate of $17.50 an hourfor the duration of their externship by the ACLU of Utahand will be classified as temporary/short-term eligibleexterns may register with theirlaw schoolsto receiveacademic or pro bono credit.

Roles and Responsibilities

Interns will gain valuable experience by working with the legal team on a wide variety oflegal may include but are not limited to the following:

• Drafting memorandaaffidavitsand briefs;

• Conducting legal and policy research;

• Reviewing and sortingvoluminous document productionlitigation materialsand intakecorrespondence;

• Researching andcreatingKnow Your Rightsmaterials for public education;

• Researchingdrafting andsubmittingpublic records requests under State and Federal Open Records Statutes; and

• Other projects as assigned.

RequiredExperience

This externship is open to law students who will have completed at least one year of law school before the externshipcommences. Externs will ideallypossessthe following:

• Strong writing research and communication skills;

• Ability tounderstand andconvey legal information to non-attorney audiences;

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projectsat one time;

• The ability to work independently and in small teams;

• A strong understanding ofand commitment tothe concepts of Diversity and Inclusion in a team setting executed in the ability to respect and value the differences in experience and belief of approach that values the individual and respects differences of race ethnicity age sex sexual orientation gender identity and expression religion ability involvement with the criminal justice system and socio-economic circumstance.

• A commitment to civil liberties civil rights socialjustice;and protecting the inherent human worth and dignity of all people across Utah.

• A deep interest in issues related to civil rights and civil liberties including but not limited to immigrants rightsLGBTQ issuesdisabilityrightspolice practices constitutional and criminal law free speech and criminal legal reform;

• A commitment to the mission of the ACLU of Utah.

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We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis beginning onSeptember 22026and accepting applications untilSeptember18 2026.

Applicants mustsubmita cover letter resume and writing samplethat iswholly yourown unedited work (5pages or less)toSiera GomezHR PeopleandCulture Managerat materials must your cover letter please address your interest in the specific position and past experiences that may be relevant to the position.

The ACLU of Utah is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and needassistanceapplying online please e-mail HR atemailprotected. If you are selected for an interview you will receiveadditionalinformationregardinghow to request an accommodation for the interview process.

The ACLU of Utah is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online please e-mail HR at If you are selected for an interview you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.