Fall 2026 Justice 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 national security policies.

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 Justice Program works to expose the huge social and economic costs of mass incarceration. We debunk false claims about rising crime, fight for reforms to sentencing and bail, and develop transformative legislative proposals.

Focusing on prison and jail reform, sharing accurate crime data, and researching the social and economic harms of mass incarceration, the Justice Program seeks to create a safer, fairer, and more humane criminal justice system.

Note: This internship is in‑person at our New York office.

We are seeking an intern to provide administrative and research support to staff in our Justice Program.

• Assist with administrative and research work for the Justice Program.
• Attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.
• Assist with projects such as research on policies, programs, and laws that improve conditions in prisons.
• Assist with research on state and federal legislation that improves outcomes for those impacted by the justice system.
• Assist with planning programmatic events.
• Assist with research on rapid response issues related to the Justice Program’s broader work.

• Independent self‑starters who are detail‑oriented, energetic, punctual, and highly organized, with an understanding of the Justice Program’s key goals and priorities.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills along with a passion for these issues.
• Experience with Windows, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word is required.
• Salesforce experience is very helpful.
• Experience with data or statistical analysis is also helpful.
• Willingness to adapt to evolving responsibilities.

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application. If you’re uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway.

In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.

Note: This internship is only open to undergraduate students for Fall 2026.

Hours: Approximately 10-20 hours per week

Pay: $18.40 per hour

Duration: September - December 2026

Final date to receive applications: July 24, 2026

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.