2009 Summer Legal Internship
American Civil Liberties Union
Washington Legislative Office, DC

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public interest organization and is the nation’s foremost advocate of individual freedom. The ACLU protects individual freedom and basic rights through litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad array of issues affecting individual freedom in the United States.

Founded in 1952, the Washington Legislative Office (WLO) of the ACLU is responsible for advancing the Civil Liberties agenda of the national organization before Congress and the Executive Branch. The WLO supports 53 affiliate offices throughout the United States. Specifically through analyzing legislation, providing background research and offering advice on legislative strategies, the Washington Legislative Office plays a key role in the nation’s legislative decision making.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW:
The Legislative Office of the ACLU invites applications for Legal Internships for the Summer of 2009.

Internships are designed to offer students an opportunity to experience the day-to-day operations of the Washington Legislative Office. Students will provide lobbying support and assist with various Civil Liberties Initiatives. They will work closely with and be supervised by Lobbyists on our issues.

The Legal Intern will:

• Research civil liberties implications of legislative proposals
• Assist in drafting testimony for Congressional hearings
• Attend hearings and prepare written reports on actions
• Track legislation
• Attend coalition meetings as necessary with lead lobbyist
• Research and write issue statements for inclusion on the ACLU’s web page, newsletters and/or action alerts

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Law students may apply, 2L students preferred.
• A commitment to the support of civil liberties, show particular interest in a specific area of legislation.
• An understanding of constitutional law & legal research.
• Highly motivated, creative & ability to work independently.
• Excellent writing and research skills.
• Completed course work in constitutional law desirable.

Please submit your application materials by January 1, 2009. A commitment of 10 weeks is required, although the specific length and terms of the internship can be negotiated when an offer is made.

Students are highly encouraged to seek Public Interest Fellowship funds for the internship. Arrangements can also be made with the student's law school for work/study stipends. Summer interns who do not secure funding may be eligible for a stipend provided by the Project.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume and writing sample of not more than 10 pages. The cover letter should note your availability and your specific interest in civil liberties.

ACLU Washington National Office
Attn: Internship Coordinator
RE: Legal Internship
915 15^th Street, NW
6^th Floor
Washington DC, 20005

The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.