Democracy Legal Intern

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.          

The Brennan Center's Democracy Program seeks to perfect the ideal of representative self-government by advocating for public policies and institutions that reflect a diverse, engaged, and energetic democracy. The Program collaborates with grassroots groups, advocacy organizations, and reform-minded government officials to promote policies that eliminate barriers to full and equal political participation.   

We are seeking second and third-year 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, policy, and factual research in support of: administrative and legislative advocacy at federal, state, and local levels; public education and scholarship; complex factual research; 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. 

Assignments will be drawn from work on voting rights; reform of election administration; campaign finance reform and the empowerment of historically disenfranchised communities; protecting the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the courts; promoting independent interpretation of state constitutions and access to state courts; and eliminating partisan gerrymandering and other manipulations of electoral maps.   
 

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

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

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 or State Court Report website; and more.  

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 Spring 2027.

Hours: Approximately 10 - 15 hours per week    

Pay: $20.90 per hour     
     
Duration: Spring Semester 2027 
     
Application Deadline: November 23, 2026

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 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 supervisor 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 "Spring Democracy NY 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.