Spring 2025 LNS Legal Internship, NY

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. 

The Brennan Center's Liberty & National Security (LNS) Program fights to preserve constitutional values in the post-September 11 world. Our work centers on innovative policy recommendations, litigation, and public advocacy to ensure that our nation’s commitment to national security comports with the rule of law and our fundamental freedoms. We work to end or reform policies at the intersection of national security, immigration, and law enforcement, including those relating to high-tech surveillance, that intrude on privacy and First Amendment rights – particularly those of Muslim Americans and communities of color. Our work reflects a strong focus on ensuring democratic accountability, including through pushing back on excessive secrecy and expansive assertions of executive power.  

We seek law students to work alongside staff in our New York office on the Brennan Center’s policy advocacy, research, and litigation initiatives. Activities may include legal and policy analysis; legislative drafting at federal, state, and local levels; administrative and legislative advocacy; public education and scholarship; and litigation in trial and appellate courts. The Brennan Center’s interns are integral to all aspects of our work, including programmatic and strategic planning. We strive to offer a fun and intellectually challenging legal intern experience that supports and supplements the vital advocacy offered by the Brennan Center. The internship lasts for the semester. 

Interns may assist with a variety of activities, including conducting legal research and writing for amicus briefs, policy reports, and other advocacy documents; drafting communications to legislators; assisting with writing comments to federal agencies; attending coalition meetings; drafting posts for the Brennan Center blog; and more.  
 

Note: This internship is in-person at our New York office. 

Responsibilities: All interns will assist with general administrative, research and clerical work for the Brennan Center, including filing, photocopying, answering phones, shipping and mailing, coordinating meetings, drafting routine correspondence and covering the reception desk.  Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work. 

Qualifications: Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills; initiative, imagination, and versatility; and a passion for our issues. 

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging. As such, we seek to hire interns who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion.   
 

This internship is only open to current law students. 

Hours: Approximately 10-15 per week 

Pay: $20.00 per hour 

Duration: Spring Semester 2025 

Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 
 
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 (e.g., 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 material is required to apply for our internship: 

1. a cover letter explaining why you are interested in Liberty & National Security (NY) policy issues; 

2. a current law school transcript; 

3. a 5-10 page writing sample reflecting legal analysis;  

4. a current resume; and 

5. contact information for three 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: [email protected] with "LNS NY Legal Spring Internship" in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred. 

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors.  As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption. 

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. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.