Intern: Legal Team

Legal Intake Internship – Fall/Spring 2026-2027

Learning Opportunity Description

Department:                             Legal - Intake

Type of Internship:                       Part-time (minimum 10-12 hours/per week)

Cycle:                                                  September 28, 2026 – March 23, 2027

                                                  (Break period: December 4 – January 25)

Location:                                   Houston Preferred

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas is a leading civil rights organization in the Lone Star State.

Our vision: From Amarillo to Brownsville and Beaumont to El Paso, we believe in a Texas that works for all of us — a Texas where each person has an equal say in the decisions that shape our future, and everyone can build a good life.

Our mission: The ACLU of Texas works with communities, at the State Capitol, and in the courts to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties for every Texan, no exceptions.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The ACLU of Texas invites individuals, including undergraduate and graduate students, to apply for an internship in the Legal Department. Individuals passionate about civil liberties who are interested in developing skills in the social justice space in the local and state context will find an internship with the ACLU of Texas to be a rewarding learning experience. 

We are looking for individuals who are curious, creative, and detail-oriented; have strong critical thinking skills.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW

Time Commitment: Internships are part-time, requiring a minimum commitment of 10-12 hours per week. We generally prefer that part-time interns commit to work full workdays (i.e., two eight-hour days rather than four four-hour days), but schedules can be flexible. Internships are offered on a remote basis only. This generally requires students to have access to a computer and reliable internet. Houston based interns are welcome to work in our headquarters located in Downtown Houston.

Duration: 

• 2026 Fall internship: 8 weeks (September 28, 2026, to Dec. 04, 2026)
• 2027 Spring internship: 8 weeks (January 26, 2027, to March 23,2027) 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The ACLU of Texas seeks highly motivated undergraduate students with a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of civil rights and civil liberties. Working closely with the intake coordinator, legal intake interns will work in a team to address, streamline, and track each aspect of the intake process. Students will be reviewing and responding to complaints from across Texas, identifying community resources, and analyzing patterns in our intake system. Interns also will work on special projects alongside the intake coordinator and across departments for community outreach and analysis. Interns will attend intake intern meetings.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Interns should possess the following:

• One year of college must be completed before the internship commences with a preference for rising 3rd or 4th year students.
• Commitment to civil liberties and civil rights and an interest in working toward racial and social justice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to research and synthesize information.
• Engaging, outgoing personality capable of projecting compassion and warmth when interacting with complainants
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively across teams

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the internship cycle as decisions are made on a rolling basis.

• Fall/Spring Term: Applications will be closed on August 15, 2026.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for this role is $17/hour. 

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The ACLU of Texas is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Texas encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction.