Job Description
The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA) is pleased to offer an internship to interested law school students for the upcoming Summer 2025.
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.
PRIMARY 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 2025 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 ACLU'ers WILL:
CLASSIFICATION: This job description 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 paid internship is approved up to one (1) fulltime equivalent (FTE) and is “non-exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
WORK ENVIRONMENTS/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.
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 today’s needs and allow planning for tomorrow.
The pay for this position is $20 per hour.
BENEFITS: ACLU-WA has a generous benefits package for interns which includes employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance and other wellness plans. Interns are not eligible for the employer-contributed retirement (401k) plan or long-term disability.
DURATION: It is full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested students should submit a cover letter, resume and a legal writing sample in PDF format on our online job portal. Deadline for applications is January 19, 2025.
HIRING TIMELINE: Please indicate your expected start and end dates in your cover letter.
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.
Legal Department Internship for Summer 2025
Application Deadline: January 19, 2025
The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA) is pleased to offer an internship to interested law school students for the upcoming Summer 2025.
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.
PRIMARY 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 2025 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 ACLU'ers 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.
CLASSIFICATION: This job description 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 paid internship is approved up to one (1) fulltime equivalent (FTE) and is “non-exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
WORK ENVIRONMENTS/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.
- Able to input information into a computer for long periods of time.
- Able to assess information communicated through a computer.
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 today’s needs and allow planning for tomorrow.
The pay for this position is $20 per hour.
BENEFITS: ACLU-WA has a generous benefits package for interns which includes employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance and other wellness plans. Interns are not eligible for the employer-contributed retirement (401k) plan or long-term disability.
DURATION: It is full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested students should submit a cover letter, resume and a legal writing sample in PDF format on our online job portal. Deadline for applications is January 19, 2025.
HIRING TIMELINE: Please indicate your expected start and end dates in your cover letter.
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.
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