Undergraduate Intern
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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 the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. Its core mission is to hold political institutions and laws accountable to the American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Center’s work spans a broad range of critical areas, including voting rights, campaign finance reform, ending mass incarceration, and preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies. Functioning as a unique blend of a think-tank, advocacy group, and cutting-edge communications hub, the Brennan Center begins its work with rigorous research, proceeds to craft innovative policies, and then actively fights for their implementation in Congress, the states, the courts, and the court of public opinion. The organization is committed to public health and safety, requiring COVID-19 vaccination or a legal exemption for its employees in New York and Washington, DC offices. It also strongly emphasizes equal opportunity and believes in the increased effectiveness that stems from a diverse workforce, welcoming all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or other protected bases.
About the Job Description
The Brennan Center for Justice is seeking interns to join its Democracy program. This is an in-person internship opportunity at their New York City office.
Responsibilities:
Interns will provide comprehensive research, administrative, and clerical support to staff. Core duties include filing, answering phones, coordinating meetings, drafting routine correspondence, and covering the reception desk. Beyond these general administrative tasks, interns will have valuable opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work. Specific responsibilities may involve providing support for litigation, assisting in the research for and rollout of reports, and aiding the program’s advocacy efforts across key areas such as Voting, Elections and Government, Judiciary, Federal Reform, Redistricting, and other related projects.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidates are described as independent self-starters, detail-oriented, energetic, punctual, and highly organized. Essential skills include excellent research, writing, and analytical abilities, coupled with a genuine passion for the issues championed by the Brennan Center. Proficiency with Microsoft Office is a must, and experience working with data is considered very helpful. Applicants must be adaptable and open to evolving responsibilities. The Center is committed to considering a wide range of candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and actively encourages applications even from individuals who may not meet 100% of the listed qualifications.
Eligibility and Logistics:
• This internship is exclusively open to current undergraduate students.
• Hours: Approximately 10 – 20 hours per week.
• Pay: $17.50 per hour.
• Note on Pay: The Brennan Center will adhere to the intern’s school rules regarding paid internships. If a school does not permit a paid internship (e.g., due to receiving credit), the internship will be unpaid. For formal school internship programs allowing more hours, a determination will be made based on the Center’s needs and school program assessment.
• Duration: September – December 2025.
• Application Deadline: July 18, 2025.
Application Process:
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled once qualified candidates are identified. The preferred method of application is via the provided online link, where candidates should upload their application materials preferably in PDF format. Required documents include:
1. Resume
2. Cover letter: This must specify interest in the role and what the applicant hopes to contribute.
3. List of contact details for three supervisor references.
No phone calls are accepted. If applicants experience difficulty with the online system, they may email their application to [email protected] with “Democracy NY Undergrad Internship” in the subject line, but only after registering in the online system first.
