Reproductive Rights and Health Legal Internship

The Position

The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) seeks a law student intern for Summer 2027 to support the work of the Reproductive Rights and Health (RRH) team. The team focuses on promoting reproductive rights and access to comprehensive, affordable health care, including abortion and birth control, via litigation and both state and federal policy advocacy.

This is a full-time, non-exempt paid position of 37.5 hours per week to start June 1, 2027, and end August 9, 2027. This work may be done remotely, hybrid, or in-person. If working remotely, the intern must be located in one of the following states while working during the summer: DC, MD, VA, NJ, PA, IL, NY, or CT.

The Organization 

The National Women’s Law Center fights for gender justice — in the courts, in public policy, and in our society — working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls. 

We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all of us — especially women of color, LGBTQ+ people, and low-income women and families. 

For more than 50 years, we have been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women, and we need you with us to continue this fight.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will support the RRH team’s work by:

• Providing legal and factual research and analysis;
• Tracking state and federal legislation and litigation on core and emerging issues;
• Cite checking and bluebooking documents;
• Drafting memos, talking points, testimony, blogs, factsheets, and other written materials;
• Supporting the preparation of briefs, pleadings, legislative toolkits, and comments on proposed federal agency regulations;
• Participating in litigation strategy calls, coalition meetings, policy briefings, and events;
• Attending administrative, congressional, and court proceedings; and

• Miscellaneous other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a JD program;
• Strong research and writing skills, including excellent analytical, oral, and written communications skills;
• Experience or interest working on gender justice issues with an intersectional lens;
• Experience or interest in an advocacy, litigation, or policymaking environment;
• Demonstrated experience and judgment working both collaboratively and independently; and
• Flexibility, creativity, and initiative along with excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills.

Key Relations 

The intern will report to a Senior Counsel on the RRH team as their primary supervisor, but will receive assignments from various members of the RRH team. The intern may collaborate with other teams and individuals across NWLC.

Compensation & Benefits

The intern will be paid an hourly rate of $18.40 per hour. This position is not eligible for benefits. If funding is available through the intern’s school, the payment contribution from NWLC will be adjusted accordingly.

Classification

This position is not included in the union-represented bargaining unit, NWLC United, affiliated with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union/IFPTE Local 70.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A resume;
• A cover letter explaining your interest in this internship;
• A short writing sample (max. 5 pages); and
• A current law school transcript.

This position will be open for up to a month maximum until December 6, 2026 or until 250 applications have been received (whichever comes first). NWLC posts a number of internship opportunities. If you wish to be considered for more than one internship, please apply separately to each position of interest.

Applicants will be contacted if selected for an interview. We kindly request that interested parties refrain from calling, emailing, or visiting NWLC’s offices to express interest or check on the status of their application.

The National Women’s Law Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek applications from people with disabilities; people of all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations; people of color; and veterans. 

At NWLC, our diversity is our strength, and the variety of lived experiences that connect our teammates to the mission of gender justice is our superpower. We know that members of marginalized groups tend to apply for positions only if they believe they are a 100% match for the role. If you are passionate about NWLC’s mission and think you can be successful in this role, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email [email protected].