OVERVIEW
The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut defends, promotes, and expands the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Connecticut through litigation, community organizing and legislative advocacy, and civic education and engagement. We are an inclusive, nonpartisan, and statewide organization within the nationwide American Civil Liberties Union network, powered by our supporters, partners, staff, interns, cooperating attorneys, and our board of directors.
The litigation arm of the ACLU of Connecticut litigates high-impact cases addressing a wide range of constitutional and civil rights issues, including criminal law reform, racial justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, sex discrimination, freedom of speech, voting rights, police misconduct, prisoners’ rights, and privacy.
INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW
The Litigation Department is seeking a current law student to work on the issues we address, with a focus on the criminal legal system. The intern will work on many aspects of potential and ongoing cases, such as drafting memoranda addressing the merits of a case, meeting with and interviewing plaintiffs and witnesses, drafting complaints and briefs, and helping with discovery. Our last intern went to trial with us (though no guarantees on that front)! In addition to working on cases on the Department’s current docket, the intern will be able play a significant role in litigation development, including factual investigations.
Commitment: The internship requires a 10-week commitment. The exact dates are flexible, with a likely start in June of 2025. Summer interns are expected to work full time (approximately 30-35 hours per week).
Funding: We encourage all applicants to seek public interest fellowship funding through their law school. If you are unable to secure funding from your law school, we will provide funding to make this opportunity more feasible for law students who would otherwise be required to seek paid employment over the summer. Please indicate in your cover e-mail if you are interested in ACLU funding. (This information will not be shared with the hiring team).
Location: The internship will be primarily remote, but applicants have the option to work from our offices in Hartford, CT.
QUALIFICATIONS
This internship is open to law students who will have completed at least their first year of law school before summer 2025. Applicants should
- Have excellent research and writing skills
- Be self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks, and see projects through to completion
- Have proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
- Have a desire to advance social justice & commitment to the ACLU of Connecticut’s mission
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a resume and brief cover letter, including any relevant work or life experience and why you are interested in the work of the ACLU of Connecticut, to search@acluct.org. Reference “ACLU-CT Litigation Department Internship” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted and reviewed starting Sunday, December 1st, and closing at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 29, 2024; no applications will accepted after this date.
This posting 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 Connecticut reserves the right to change the posting at any time without advance notice.
The ACLU-CT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that all persons – including but not limited to persons with disabilities – have full opportunities for employment in all positions. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to include this information in your cover letter, or to call 860-523-9146 to discuss your needs.
We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU-CT encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, record of arrest or conviction, or veteran status.
