Legislative Intern (Spring 2026)

Position: Legislative Intern (Summer 2026)

Location: Washington, DC 20006

Department: Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs

Employment Status: Full-Time | Hybrid | DC-Metro Area Only

OVERVIEW: 

Established by Congress in 1974, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is the country’s single largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans. LSC currently funds independent legal aid offices nationwide. LSC’s mission is to promote equal access to justice and provide grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans. 

The Office of Government Relations & Public Affairs (GRPA) is responsible for managing LSC's communications and relationships with Congress, the Executive Branch, the media, and the general public.GRPA’s work is vital in securing funding and shaping public understanding of civil legal aid and its impact on low-income communities.

This position is based in Washington, DC, and will require working from an office in DC in accordance with LSC’s hybrid work model. This position will predominantly be performed in person; however, there will be potential for remote work up to 60% of your weekly work hours, depending on the candidate’s schedule. The successful candidate must live in the DC metropolitan area for the duration of the internship.

WHY JOIN US?

Please note: Due to the current funding environment and broader political shifts impacting our resources, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to pause all paid internships until further notice.

We remain deeply committed to supporting emerging professionals through unpaid, educational internships that deliver real-world experience, professional development, and connections in the legal and nonprofit sectors. If applicable, we’re happy to provide documentation to support academic credit.

While this internship is unpaid by LSC, candidates may be eligible for school-based funding, fellowships, or external stipends. We are happy to support students who apply for these opportunities by providing documentation or institutional support when needed.

What you'll gain from this internship is unpaid:

• Practical exposure to the legislative process and federal appropriations
• The opportunity to contribute to mission-driven public policy work
• Mentorship from seasoned professionals in government relations 
• Valuable writing and research experience in a nonprofit policy setting

• Expanded networks within public interest and legal advocacy communities

The internship is expected to run from June through August 2026, with interns expected to work up to 37.5 hours per week on a full-time basis.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN & DO:

This internship offers a front-row seat to the intersection of legislative advocacy, public service, and civil justice reform. Interns will gain exposure to how a nonprofit organization engages with Congress and advances its mission through public policy.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Track legislation and monitor congressional activity 
2. Conduct research and draft materials for congressional staff and LSC publications
3. Support preparation for congressional meetings
4. Respond to inquiries from members of Congress or their staff
5. Update contact databases and internal records

6. Assist with other research and special projects as assigned

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

We are accepting applications from current undergraduate, graduate, and law students, as well as recent graduates of post-secondary institutions. 

The ideal applicant must be:

• Independent, reliable, and mission-driven
• Excellent writers and communicators
• Curious about government, public policy, or legal reform
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong researchers and detail-oriented problem solvers

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply, visit www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/careers. Please submit:

• A current résumé
• A cover letter explaining your interest in this internship and how your goals align with LSC’s mission

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. If you need accommodations during the application process, email jobapplicant@lsc.gov.

OUR COMMITMENT:

We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels a sense of connection and purpose. We believe our differences drive excellence, and we strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole self to work. Together, we are building a community grounded in openness and trust—one that provides opportunities for all team members to grow, thrive, and contribute toward advancing LSC's mission. 

LSC is an equal opportunity employer.