About the Lawfare Institute
The Lawfare Institute—publisher of information and insight at the intersection of national security, law, and policy—is now accepting Spring 2027 internship applications. This is a hybrid position with opportunities for coworking in Washington, D.C. Applications for this internship will be accepted on a rolling basis. The application period will close on November 23, 2026, at midnight EST.
About the role
Lawfare has emerged as the indispensable online and podcasting resource for information and analysis on issues at the nexus of national security, law, and politics. Devoted to “Hard National Security Choices,” the site features incisive writing and analysis from experts on developing stories in the national security arena, including relevant legislation and judicial opinions. It is a digital publication that includes podcasts, book reviews, research tools, a daily news roundup, an events calendar, and exhaustive coverage of events other media touch only glancingly.
Interns work alongside the editorial team at Lawfare to publish analysis from leading experts in government, academia, and policy. The internship program seeks to provide students with a pre-professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work experience related to their field of study or career interest. Interns engage in career exploration and development as well as learn new skills.
Lawfare will pay the selected intern $18.40 per hour. Full time applicants (those who can commit to 35 - 40 hours per week during regular business hours roughly 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET) are preferred. Part-time candidates—who can also work during regular business hours—will be considered. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are applying for a full-time or part-time position. The Spring 2027 internship at Lawfare will run from January 8, 2027 to May 30, 2027, though start and end dates are flexible. You are required to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship.
What you'll do
The intern will assist with running and maintaining the Lawfare website and will have an opportunity to learn a variety of research skills such as writing, research, and site maintenance. Learning will fall into three main categories:
Writing:
- Work with Associate Editors to monitor national security and foreign policy developments;
- Write “Today on Lawfare,” a compilation of Lawfare’s coverage of national security and legal news, 4-5 times per week;
- Work with the Associate Editors to co-write a deep-dive analytical piece on a relevant national security law and policy issue;
- Write “The Week that Was,” a weekly piece that provides a guide to the week’s Lawfare publications.
Research: Provide research support to the Lawfare editorial team and management as needed.
Maintaining the site: Tag and categorize Lawfare posts; track relevant congressional hearings; track and add relevant events to the Events Calendar; assist Associate Editors with production of the Lawfare Podcast, Lawfare Live, and other programs.
Qualifications
Undergraduate students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year are encouraged to apply. Our most successful interns have strong writing, analytical, and research skills, as well as excellent verbal and organizational skills—preferably demonstrated through prior independent research or previous experience as a research assistant.
Lawfare is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
How to Apply
Please submit the following on or before November 23, 2026,
- A resume that shows the experience and education requested above
- A cover letter that explains how you plan to apply your skills and experiences to Lawfare. Your cover letter should highlight your educational experience and skills, along with an explanation of how this internship will contribute to your professional goals. Also please indicate whether you are a full-time or part-time applicant.
If selected as a finalist for the internship, you will be required to provide two professional references. We anticipate many applications; failing to follow these instructions will result in your application not being considered. Questions can be directed to [email protected].
Skills Required
- Currently an undergraduate student in sophomore, junior, or senior year
- Strong writing skills
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Excellent verbal and organizational skills
- Located in the United States for the duration of the internship
- Prior independent research or research assistant experience
- Resume demonstrating relevant experience and education
- Cover letter explaining relevant skills, educational experience, professional goals, and full-time or part-time availability
- Two professional references if selected as a finalist
What We Do
The Lawfare Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit multimedia publication and research organization focused on hard national security choices. Through written, audio, and other content, it provides timely analysis of legal and policy issues, including national security law, cybersecurity, executive power, threats to democracy, foreign policy, and domestic extremism. Its work aims to improve public and policymaker discourse while remaining accessible to broad audiences.
