Democracy NY Legal Internship
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Job Description
About the Company:
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute dedicated to improving democracy and justice in the United States. It aims to hold political institutions and laws accountable to the ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work spans voting rights, campaign finance reform, ending mass incarceration, and preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies. It combines rigorous research, innovative policy development, and advocacy in Congress, state legislatures, courts, and the public sphere.
Job Description:
The Brennan Center’s Democracy Program is seeking second and third-year law students for a Legal Internship in their New York office during the Fall 2025 semester. Interns will work alongside staff on policy advocacy, research, and litigation initiatives, contributing to the Program’s goal of promoting policies that eliminate barriers to full and equal political participation.
Key Responsibilities:
• Conducting legal, policy, and factual research in support of advocacy efforts.
• Assisting with administrative and legislative advocacy at federal, state, and local levels.
• Contributing to public education and scholarship.
• Performing complex factual research.
• Supporting litigation in trial and appellate courts.
• Drafting communications to legislators.
• Assisting with writing comments to federal agencies.
• Attending coalition meetings.
• Drafting posts for the Brennan Center blog.
• Contributing to programmatic and strategic planning.
Assignments will focus on:
• Voting rights.
• Reform of election administration.
• Campaign finance reform and the empowerment of historically disenfranchised communities.
• Protecting the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the courts.
• Eliminating partisan gerrymandering and other manipulations of electoral maps.
Note: This is an in-person internship in New York City.
Qualifications:
• Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Initiative, imagination, and versatility.
• A passion for the Brennan Center’s issues.
Additional Information:
• Hours: Approximately 10 – 15 hours per week.
• Pay: $20.00 per hour.
• Duration: September – December 2025.
• Application Deadline: July 18, 2025.
• Required Application Materials:
• A cover letter explaining your interest in Democracy policy issues.
• A current law school transcript.
• A legal writing sample (5-10 pages).
• A current resume.
• Contact information for three supervisor references.
