Democracy Legal Internship - NYC, DC

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 national security policies. 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.     

We are hiring law students to intern with our Democracy and Elections & Government Programs in our New York and Washington, DC offices for the summer of 2027. The Democracy Program ensures that our elections are fair, representative, secure, and independent; that every voter can accessibly and safely vote; and that our checks, balances, and guardrails are bolstered and strengthened. The Elections & Government Program works to reform the influence of big money in politics; address corruption and improve government ethics; and strengthen election administration, including tracking misinformation and disinformation and working with partners such as CSSE (Committee for Safe and Secure Elections). 

The Brennan Center’s Democracy and Elections & Government Programs aim to perfect the ideal of representative self-government by advocating for public policies and institutions that reflect a diverse, engaged, and energetic democracy. The programs collaborate with grassroots groups, advocacy organizations, and reform-minded government officials to promote policies that eliminate barriers to full and equal political participation.   
 

Note: This internship is in-person at our New York or Washington D.C. office. 

Legal interns work alongside staff on policy advocacy, research, and litigation initiatives. Activities may include legal, policy, and factual research to advance administrative and legislative advocacy at federal, state, and local levels; public education and scholarship; and litigation in trial and appellate courts. We strive to offer a fun and intellectually challenging legal intern experience that supports the vital advocacy offered by the Brennan Center.  

Specific responsibilities may include legal research and writing for amicus briefs, policy reports, and other advocacy documents; draft communications to legislators; assist with public comments to federal agencies; attend coalition meetings; draft posts for the Brennan Center website; and more.  

Assignments will be drawn from the programs’ work on voting rights (including work against practices likely to suppress the vote or have a disproportionate impact on communities of color); reform of election administration (including responses to falsehoods about elections and threats of political violence); campaign finance reform and the empowerment of historically disenfranchised communities; protecting the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the courts; and eliminating partisan gerrymandering and other manipulations of electoral maps. 

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

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.    
 

This internship is only open to law students in Summer 2027.

Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm EST)  

Pay: The Brennan Center offers stipends to summer legal interns through the Les Fagen Legal Internship Program, thanks to the generosity of Brennan Center Board member, Les Fagen. The stipend amounts will be:  

• 1Ls - $8,360 stipend for 10 weeks  

• 2Ls - $9,360 stipend for 10 weeks  

Note: If you are working more or less than 10 weeks, a pro-rated stipend amount will be calculated if awarded. The same applies if you are working less than 40 hours a week. 
You will typically receive payment via physical check within your first two weeks of employment (subject to change). 

Duration: June – August 2027 (10 weeks)  

Application Deadline: January 4, 2027 

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 (i.e., 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 Democracy Program and/or Elections & Government Program policy issues 

1. a current law school transcript;  

1. a legal writing sample (5-10 pages);  

1. a current resume; and  

1. contact information for three references.   

To Apply:
Please visit >>LINK HERE<< and upload all required materials (see above for required materials). 
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 “Summer Democracy and E&G Legal Internship” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred.   

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. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.