Legal Intern, Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative

ACLU

Legal intern assisting the ACLU's Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative. Supporting legal research, advocacy, and working with coalition partners on criminalization issues.

Posted 6/9/2026internshipNew York City • District of Columbia, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesEntry LevelWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct legal research and writing including drafting memoranda, portions of briefs, motions, and training resources
Track cases and issues of interest to the ACDI
Assist with performing intakes for those who contact the ACDI in need of criminal defense representation
Center principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in all work, embedding the values in program development, policy application, and organizational practices and processes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated legal students and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
Enrolled at an ABA accredited law school and has completed at least 1L year.
Excellent legal research skills, strong legal writing, and ability to conduct complex legal analysis.
Organization including good attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple assignments.
Team player approach with good communication skills who responds well to feedback.
Initiative to see projects through to completion.
A demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, public interest law, civil rights and liberties, and social justice.

Benefits

Comp & perks

This internship is for course credit only.

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Hard Skills & Tools

legal researchlegal writingdrafting memorandadrafting briefsdrafting motionscomplex legal analysis

Soft Skills

organizationattention to detailcommunication skillsteam playerinitiative

Certifications

ABA accredited law school