Winter-Spring 2026 Legal Internship-Externship

Job Description

Job Description

ACLU-WA Legal Department Externship for Winter-Spring 2026 Term

Application Deadline : November 16, 2025

The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA) is pleased to offer an externship to interested law school students for the upcoming Winter-Spring 2026 term.

The ACLU of Washington (ACLU-WA) advances liberty and justice in the courts, in the legislatures, in the streets, and at the ballot box. Our work is rooted in the belief of a future where everyone in Washington, particularly those who have been historically and systematically denied full enjoyment of their promised civil rights and liberties, are finally free to do so without barriers. Defending and advancing these fundamental rights and core values requires exceptional staff. Learn more about the ACLU-WA.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES :

At the ACLU-WA, law students gain exposure to a broad range of racial justice, civil liberties and civil rights issues and the opportunity to improve legal writing and research skills. Students work closely with staff attorneys conducting legal research, writing legal memoranda, and drafting correspondence to government agencies in response to documented complaints of civil liberties and civil rights violations. Students also assist ACLU attorneys in the development of cases for litigation, litigating cases through pre-trial matters and trial, and submission of amicus curiae briefs in both state and federal appellate courts. Students will gain experience working within an organization that is committed to centering the voices and lived experiences of directly impacted communities.

Educational benefits include obtaining hands-on experience in applying constitutional theories and case law to legal problems and learning how to conduct factual investigation of complaints. Students become familiar with administrative regulations and agency protocols, while developing a practical understanding of constitutional law. Academic credit can be arranged.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites include academic standing as a rising 2L or 3L during the Winter-Spring 2026 externship time period, an interest in civil liberties and civil rights, good interpersonal and analytical skills, and the ability to write in a clear and concise manner.

FUTURE WA ACLU'ers WILL :

• Be committed to advancing the mission, vision, and values of the ACLU-WA.
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives; and
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.

LOCATION :   Seattle, Washington

CLASSIFICATION :   This job posting provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. The ACLU-WA reserves the right to change the content of this posting at any time without advance notice. This position is classified as an unpaid externship under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS / CONDITIONS :  The ACLU-WA observes a hybrid workstyle, with some staff working primarily remotely while others work in the office several days a week. Occasional in-person meetings required at our downtown Seattle location.

Our office is generally open between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is located in downtown Seattle. The physical demands and work environment described below represent those required and encountered by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MENTAL DEMAND :  Decision-making, high emotional intelligence, giving and receiving feedback and building trusting relationships. The nature of this work can be emotionally demanding and requires thoughtful and clear communication and resilience.

COMPENSATION : The Winter-Spring 2026 Legal Externship position is for course credit. Externs should receive credit for the hours worked. There is no financial compensation for the winter-spring externship.

DURATION : Part-time or full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE : Interested students should submit a cover letter , resume, 2 references and legal writing sample in PDF format via JazzHR (link on ACLU of Washington website). Deadline for applications is November 16, 2025 .

HIRING TIMELINE : Please indicate your expected start and end dates in your cover letter.

The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, socio-economic circumstance, or record of arrest or conviction. We do not conduct criminal background checks on our candidates. People of color, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

The ACLU of Washington comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Inc. and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation. The two corporations share the same overall mission, office space, and employees. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU of Washington”.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

ACLU-WA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email hiring@aclu-wa.org to receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the application process. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding accommodations during the interview process.

The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, socio-economic circumstance, or record of arrest or conviction. We do not conduct criminal background checks on our candidates. People of color, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

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