Summer 2020 Legal Internship

Job Description

The ACLU is the nation’s foremost defender of civil liberties and civil rights, dedicated to defending the Bill of Rights and advocating for marginalized communities through litigation, legislation, and public education. The ACLU of Texas, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Houston, is the one of the largest ACLU affiliates in the nation. The ACLU of Texas has regional offices in Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, and El Paso.

Whether it’s protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees, ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBT community, combatting voter suppression, or preserving reproductive rights, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil rights and liberties cases to defend all people from government abuse and overreach.

The ACLU of Texas seeks highly motivated law students with a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of civil rights and civil liberties. Working closely with legal department staff, legal interns will work in all aspects of litigation including legal research, factual investigation, and drafting of memoranda. Interns also assist in the researching or drafting of materials for public education. Interns will attend regular staff meetings.

Experience and Qualifications:

• One year of law school must be completed before the internship commences.
• Commitment to civil liberties and civil rights and an interest in working toward racial and social justice.
• Strong writing and research skills.

Applicants are encouraged to first seek funding from their law school or outside sources. The ACLU of Texas will provide compensation or supplement compensation if necessary to meet our intern salary guidelines.

Applicants should send a cover letter describing your interest in civil rights and civil liberties, including any relevant life or work experience gained before or during law school; resume; a brief legal writing sample (no longer than 5 pages); and contact information for two or three references to Christopher Clay at [email protected] .

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Texas reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

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, or veteran status.

The ACLU of Texas undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.