Summer 2025 Legal Internship
- Internship Duration: Internships are a 10-week period. Summer interns are expected to start on or around May 31, 2025.
- Rate of Pay: An hourly wage is available for students who are able to commit to working 30-40 hours a week for 10 weeks during the summer. Students who receive outside funding may be eligible for a partial stipend.
- Rising 2Ls will be eligible for a rate of $19 per hour
- Rising 3Ls will be eligible for a rate of $21.88 per hour
- Location: The internship will be hybrid with remote and in-person work required. All interns must be located in the state of Utah for the entire duration of their internship.
Interns will gain valuable experience by working with the legal team on a wide variety of issues. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Drafting memoranda, affidavits, and briefs;
- Conducting legal and policy research;
- Interviewing clients and conducting plaintiff searches;
- Researching and drafting materials for public education;
- Researching and drafting public records requests under State and Federal Open Records Statutes; and
- Other projects as assigned.
This internship is open to law students who will have completed at least one year of law school before the internship commences. Legal Interns will ideally possess the following:
- Strong writing, research, and communication skills;
- Ability to convey legal information to non-attorney audiences;
- Ability to handle multiple projects;
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
- A deep interest in issues related to civil rights and civil liberties including but not limited to immigrants’ rights, LGBTQ+ issues, police practices, constitutional and criminal law, free speech, and criminal legal reform; and
- Strong understanding of civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice issues.
- Commitment to the mission of the ACLU of Utah.
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample that is wholly your own unedited work (10 pages or less). Application materials must be submitted as .pdf files. In your cover letter, please address your interest in the position and past experiences that may be relevant to the position.
Who We Are
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Utah, established in 1958, is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and advancing civil rights and liberties for all people in Utah.
Our Vision is a state where all persons enjoy the civil rights and civil liberties promised to them in the United States and Utah Constitutions and laws. We seek to obtain our vision through our Mission which is operating through public education, legal action, and legislative and community advocacy to enhance and defend the civil rights and freedoms of everyone living in or visiting Utah. We are an inclusive, nonpartisan, statewide organization powered by our members, donors, and volunteers.
The ACLU of Utah office, located in downtown Salt Lake City, is staffed by approximately 20 full-time team members who work in various roles and collaborate across multiple departments to execute our Strategic Plan, which is created by the ACLU of Utah Board. Our work is particularly active at this time in achieving reproductive freedom, safeguarding voting rights, seeking racial justice in Immigrants’ Rights and Indigenous Justice, opposing K-12 censorship and book banning, and obtaining and securing LGBTQIA Rights.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
The ACLU of Utah is committed to developing a culture of diversity, equity, respect, and inclusion. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds and lived experience enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. The ACLU of Utah is an equal-opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable law. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and value people of all races, genders (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientations, disabilities, citizenships, ages, religions, and national origins and who have different marital statuses, family caregiving responsibilities, lived experiences with the criminal justice systems, and genetic information. The ACLU of Utah does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of any of these characteristics.
The ACLU of Utah is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please e-mail HR at cwelburn@acluutah.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.