ACLU of Massachusetts Summer 2027 Legal Internship
Notice to Second-Year Law Students (application period August 14-September 4, 2026)
The ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) is inviting applications for its Summer 2027 legal internship. The ACLUM Legal team works on cutting-edge civil rights and civil liberties issues, and has undertaken groundbreaking litigation and non-litigation advocacy in areas including, but not limited to free speech, immigrants’ rights, criminal justice, reproductive rights, incarceration during COVID-19, transgender rights, open government, police accountability, government surveillance, racial justice, voting rights, democracy, the separation of church and state, and other issues.
Position Summary
Legal interns work on a variety of tasks required for litigation and other legal advocacy, including complaint investigation, legal research and memo writing, drafting of complaints, affidavits, and discovery requests; as well as preparation of pretrial motions, trial preparation, drafting of appellate briefs, and preparation for oral arguments. Students work closely with all members of the Legal department under the supervision of an assigned managing attorney. Students may also assist ACLUM’s Legislative Director in developing testimony for legislative hearings and other public policy materials.
This internship is a paid opportunity that will run for 10-12 weeks, starting between mid-May and early June 2027, with a regular work schedule of 40 hours per week. The pay rate will be $22 per hour. Applicants should be current law school students who will have completed their second year of law school before the internship commences.
Qualifications, Experience and Attributes
Current law school students who will have completed their second year of law school before the internship commences.
Strong legal research, writing, and analysis skills.
Demonstrated interest in and familiarity with issues related to civil rights, civil liberties, and social justice.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong teamwork and collaboration abilities.
Self-motivated with proven ability to work well with colleagues at all levels of an organization, and a wide range of partners within and outside the organization.
About the ACLU of Massachusetts
The ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) was founded in 1920 and is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that works to preserve and expand the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Through strategies of litigation, advocacy, public education, and grassroots activism, we strengthen and expand public understanding of racial justice, juvenile justice, LGBTQ rights, women's rights, criminal justice issues, free speech and assembly, privacy rights, religious liberty, students' rights, voting rights, and reproductive rights.
ACLUM is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and formerly incarcerated people to apply.
This position is based in Boston, MA and eligible for a hybrid work schedule, being in-person an average of three days per week, with the ability to be in the office on any given day as needed and assigned. Residency in Massachusetts or within a 60-mile radius of Boston in a contiguous New England state is required for the duration of employment. ACLUM has a Covid-19 vaccine mandate, and candidates receiving a job offer will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment. Exemptions to this requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law. Applicants should be aware that fully remote work will not be deemed a reasonable accommodation.
TO APPLY: Applicants for this opportunity should submit a resume, cover letter that best expresses their interest and unique qualifications, most recent law school transcript, two references (may be from a current or former supervisor, professor, mentor and/or professional colleague), and a writing sample from a legal memorandum wholly authored by the applicant that demonstrates their legal analysis and writing skills. If the writing sample contains confidential information, all identifying facts, names, or otherwise sensitive data should be redacted.
Applications for Summer 2027 will be accepted between August 14 and September 4, 2026, or until all open positions are filled. Interviews will be scheduled and take place during the first half of September.
Legal & Compliance (1)