The Role
Legal interns support civil rights and racial justice advocacy through legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, communicating with clients under attorney supervision, analyzing legal issues, summarizing legal documents, and providing administrative support. Interns must be enrolled in law school and demonstrate strong research and writing skills, independence, and an interest in public service, government, public policy, and civil rights.
Summary Generated by Built In
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.
Job Title: Spring Legal Intern
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Part Time or Full Time
Term: January 25, 2027 - April 9, 2027
About the Role:
The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law offers legal internships to support our work to achieve racial justice. Our interns contribute to projects that make impactful change and provide the intern with professional and personal development. The Lawyers’ Committee’s full-time staff is based in Washington, DC and is divided into several departments including: Digital Justice, Economic Justice, Fair Housing, Educational Opportunities, Public Policy and Criminal Justice.
Spring interns typically attend colleges and universities in or around the metropolitan District of Columbia region, although the Lawyers’ Committee is also happy to host students participating in externship or academic exchange programs outside of the region.
What You’ll be Doing:
Legal interns are those that are currently enrolled in law school. Ideal candidates can work independently, have excellent research and writing skills, and an interest in public service, government or congressional affairs, and public policy. A passion for civil rights is necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of an intern.
The day to day for interns can vary based on department, but you can expect:
Application Process:
Please apply directly on our website. A cover letter and résumé must be included. To have your application considered, please answer all application questions and provide all requested information.
Any included writing samples must be the applicant’s original work—please indicate at the beginning of the document whether and the extent to which it has been edited by others.
Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!
Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.
Reasonable Accommodation: The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, parental status, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, immigration status, union activities, political affiliation, military veteran status, credit information or any other status protected under law.
Job Title: Spring Legal Intern
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Part Time or Full Time
Term: January 25, 2027 - April 9, 2027
About the Role:
The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law offers legal internships to support our work to achieve racial justice. Our interns contribute to projects that make impactful change and provide the intern with professional and personal development. The Lawyers’ Committee’s full-time staff is based in Washington, DC and is divided into several departments including: Digital Justice, Economic Justice, Fair Housing, Educational Opportunities, Public Policy and Criminal Justice.
- All interns will receive a $500 stipend.
- Internships can be full time (37.5 hours per week) or part time depending on class schedule and university externship requirements.
- Interns are given meaningful projects that expand their skill set and allow opportunity for growth. Our goal is for interns to gain relevant and valuable experience that helps them in their academic and professional careers.
- Our interns gain positive working relationships and mentors they can carry throughout their career.
Spring interns typically attend colleges and universities in or around the metropolitan District of Columbia region, although the Lawyers’ Committee is also happy to host students participating in externship or academic exchange programs outside of the region.
What You’ll be Doing:
Legal interns are those that are currently enrolled in law school. Ideal candidates can work independently, have excellent research and writing skills, and an interest in public service, government or congressional affairs, and public policy. A passion for civil rights is necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of an intern.
The day to day for interns can vary based on department, but you can expect:
- Conducting legal research.
- Assisting in drafting legal documents.
- Organizing case files/maintaining documents.
- Communicating with clients under the supervision of attorneys.
- Analyzing legal issues and providing summaries or recommendations based on research findings.
- Providing administrative support to attorneys.
- Assisting in reviewing and summarizing legal documents.
Application Process:
Please apply directly on our website. A cover letter and résumé must be included. To have your application considered, please answer all application questions and provide all requested information.
Any included writing samples must be the applicant’s original work—please indicate at the beginning of the document whether and the extent to which it has been edited by others.
Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!
Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.
Reasonable Accommodation: The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, parental status, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, immigration status, union activities, political affiliation, military veteran status, credit information or any other status protected under law.
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled in law school
- Excellent legal research and writing skills
- Ability to work independently
- Passion for civil rights and racial justice
- Interest in public service, government or congressional affairs, and public policy
- Resume and cover letter
- Original writing sample, if included
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The Company
What We Do
The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy. It uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of democracy real.
