Fall 2026 Legal Externship

The ACLU of Utah is now accepting applications on a rolling basis for a paid extern position for the fall semester of 2026. The ACLU of Utah’s Legal Department pursues strategic litigation that challenges unjust laws, advances civil rights and liberties, and delivers lasting change for as many Utahns as possible. The Legal Department maintains an active federal and state court docket across a variety of public impact issues at the trial and appeal levels. The Legal Department also engages in legal advocacy and public education outside the courtroom.  

Position Details 

• Time Commitment: The extern is expected to commit between 8-10 hours per week from mid-September 2026 to December 4, 2026. The hours and duration of the externship can be accommodated to comply with school policy.  

• Location: The externship is a hybrid position that includes both remote and in-office work. Applicants must be based in Utah.  

• Compensation: Externs will be paid a rate of $17.50 an hour for the duration of their externship by the ACLU of Utah and will be classified as temporary/short-term employees. If eligible, externs may register with their law schools to receive academic or pro bono credit.  

Roles and Responsibilities 

Interns will gain valuable experience by working with the legal team on a wide variety of legal matters. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Drafting memoranda, affidavits, and briefs; 

• Conducting legal and policy research; 

• Reviewing and sorting voluminous document production, litigation materials, and intake correspondence; 

• Researching and creating Know Your Rights materials for public education; 

• Researching, drafting, and submitting public records requests under State and Federal Open Records Statutes; and 

• Other projects as assigned. 

Required Experience 

This externship is open to law students who will have completed at least one year of law school before the externship commences. Externs will ideally possess the following: 

• Strong writing, research, and communication skills; 

• Ability to understand and convey legal information to non-attorney audiences; 

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects at one time; 

• The ability to work independently and in small teams;  

• A strong understanding of and commitment to the concepts of Diversity and Inclusion in a team setting, executed in the ability to respect and value the differences in experience and belief of others. A personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, involvement with the criminal justice system, and socio-economic circumstance. 

• A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, social justice; and protecting the inherent human worth and dignity of all people across Utah. 

• A deep interest in issues related to civil rights and civil liberties including but not limited to immigrants’ rights, LGBTQ issues, disability rights, police practices, constitutional and criminal law, free speech, and criminal legal reform;  

• A commitment to the mission of the ACLU of Utah. 

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We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis beginning on September 2 2026, and accepting applications until September 18, 2026. 

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample that is wholly your own unedited work (5 pages or less) to Siera Gomez, HR People and Culture Manager at sgomez@acluutah.org. Application materials must be submitted in .pdf format. In your cover letter, please address your interest in the specific position and past experiences that may be relevant to the position.  

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 sgomez@acluutah.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process. 

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.

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