Job Description

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

The Brennan Center’s Justice Program seeks to secure our nation’s promise of “equal justice for all” by creating a rational, effective, and fair justice system. Its priority focus is to reduce mass incarceration while keeping down crime. The program melds law, policy, and economics to produce new empirical analyses and innovative policy solutions to advance this critical goal.

We seek law students to work alongside staff in our New York office on the Brennan Center’s policy advocacy, research, and litigation initiatives. Activities may include legal and policy analysis; legislative drafting at federal, state, and local levels; administrative and legislative advocacy; public education and scholarship; and litigation in trial and appellate courts. 

Students receive one-on-one supervision of their legal work by lawyers on our staff.  Legal interns are not compensated by the Brennan Center for their internships, but we can help accommodate coursework requirements upon request.  We strive to offer a fun and intellectually-challenging legal intern experience that supports and supplements the vital advocacy offered by the Brennan Center.  Our research, policy development, and advocacy focus on systemic reform that combats discrimination and inequality and promotes civic participation. Interns assist attorneys with litigation, scholarship, public education, legislative counseling, and advocacy, with an emphasis on legal research and writing. The Brennan Center’s interns are integral to all aspects of our work, including programmatic and strategic planning.

QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills; initiative, imagination, and versatility; and a passion for our issues.

Interns may assist with a variety of activities, including conducting legal research and writing for amicus briefs, policy reports, and other advocacy documents; drafting communications to legislators; assisting with writing comments to federal agencies; attending coalition meetings; drafting posts for the Brennan Center blog; and more.

THE FOLLOWING MATERIAL IS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR OUR INTERNSHIP:

1. a cover letter explaining why you are interested in Justice Program issues;
2. a current law school transcript;
3. a legal writing sample;
4. a current resume; and
5. contact information for three references.

Please visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/kIz6d82JeN/Summer-2021-Legal-Internship-In-NY-Justice-Program and upload these required materials.  We accept applications and will fill positions on a rolling basis through January 15, 2021, but we encourage students with a strong interest in joining us to apply early.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

• Hires staff that reflects this country's full range of racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic identities, gender identities, and sexual orientations;
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• _Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and 
_
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.

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