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.
We are seeking interns to provide research, administrative, and clerical support to staff in our Washington D.C office.
Note: This internship is in-person at our Washington DC office.
Responsibilities: The Liberty and National Security Program (LNS) interns typically conduct research on program issues, such as surveillance, religious and racial profiling, counter-terrorism initiatives, and presidential emergency powers; copy-editing and cite checking research papers, blogs, op-eds, or other materials; assisting with scheduling, mailing publications, and maintaining contact lists. In addition, interns may occasionally assist with general administrative and clerical work for the LNS program, including filing, photocopying, shipping and mailing, coordinating meetings, setting up meeting space, and assisting with travel arrangements and expense reports. There are also opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.
All interns will assist with research, clerical work, and general administrative tasks for the Brennan Center. Administrative tasks can include, but not limited to, assisting front desk and assisting with tasks within events. Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.
Qualifications: The ideal candidates are independent self-starters; detail-oriented; energetic; punctual; and highly organized. Interns must also have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a passion for our issues. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Research database experience is very helpful (e.g., JSTOR, ProQuest, Congressional, Document Cloud). Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities.
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. Therefore, please consider submitting your application. 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 current undergraduate students.
Hours: Approximately 10-20 hours per week
Pay: $17.95 per hour
Duration: Spring Semester 2026
Application Deadline: November 24, 2025
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 >>LINK HERE<< and upload (preferably in pdf) your (1) resume, (2) cover letter and, (3) a writing sample of approximately 10 pages (4) a list of contact details for three references. In your cover letter, please specify what interests you about this LNS program and the issues involved.
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 "LNS DC Undergraduate Internship" in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred.
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.
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What We Do
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that works to reform, revitalize – and when necessary, defend – our country's systems of democracy and justice.
At this critical moment, the Brennan Center is dedicated to protecting the rule of law and the values of Constitutional democracy. We focus on voting rights, campaign finance reform, ending mass incarceration, and preserving our liberties while also maintaining our national security. 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, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.
