Summer 2026 Democracy Undergraduate Internship

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.  

We are seeking interns to provide research, administrative, and clerical support to staff on our Democracy program.  

Note: This internship is in-person at our Washington D.C. office.  

Responsibilities:  
All interns will assist with general research, administrative, and clerical work for the Brennan Center, including filing, answering phones, coordinating meetings, drafting routine correspondence and covering the reception desk. There will be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.  

In addition to administrative duties, specific responsibilities can include: providing support for litigation; assisting in the research for, and rollout of, reports; and aiding the program’s advocacy efforts in Voting, Elections and Government, Judiciary, Federal Reform, Redistricting, and other related projects.  

Qualifications:  
The ideal candidates are independent self-starters; detail-oriented; energetic; punctual; and highly organized. Interns must also have excellent, research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a passion for our issues. Experience with Microsoft Office is a must. Experience working with data is very helpful. Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities.  

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. Therefore, please consider submitting your application. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role. 
 

This internship is only open to current undergraduate students.

Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm EST)  

Pay: $17.95 per hour   

Duration: June – August 2026 (10 weeks) 

Application Deadline: January 2, 2026

Note: The Brennan Center will follow the rules of your school regarding internships. Therefore, if a school doesn’t allow you to do a paid internship for some reason (i.e., receiving credit, etc.), then your internship will not be paid. In addition, if you are participating in a formal school internship program that allows you to work more than our stated hours, we will make a determination based on our needs and further assessment of your school’s program. 

To Apply: 
Please visit >>LINK HERE<< and upload (preferably in pdf) your (1) resume, (2) cover letter, (3) writing sample of no more than 10 pages, (4) and a list of contact details for three supervisor references. In your cover letter, please specify what interests you about this role.    
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested students to apply early, as the position will be filled once qualified candidates are found. No phone calls, please.  

If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with "Democracy DC Undergrad Summer Internship" in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred.  

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption. 

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. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

Salary : $18