Overview
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 the fight against terrorism. 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 seek law students to work alongside staff in our New York and Washington D.C. offices on the Brennan Center’s policy advocacy, research, and litigation initiatives. Activities may include legal and policy analysis, factual research and potential legislative drafting in support of: administrative and legislative advocacy at federal, state, and local levels; public education and scholarship; 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.
The following programs currently have summer 2025 legal internships:
- Democracy (NY)
- Liberty & National Security (NY & DC)
These legal internships are only open to current law students and is in-person.
The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging. As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.
Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm EST)
Pay: Stipends are available for students who are unable to secure funding from their law school or elsewhere. Stipend amounts vary based on class year and how much funding, if any, an applicant has secured from other sources. If offered a position, students must request and complete an application for the stipend.
Duration: May 27th – August 5th (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: December 6, 2024
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.
To Apply: Please visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/ and upload the listed materials for the job(s) you are interested in.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested students to apply early, as the position will be filled once qualified candidates are found. No phone calls, please.
Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.