Fall Legal Extern - Civil Liberties & Justice

Legal Department Externship for Fall 2026

First Review of Applicants Scheduled for July 17, 2026

The ACLU of Washington (ACLU‑WA) advances liberty and justice in the courts, in the legislatures, in the streets, and at the ballot box. Our work is rooted in the belief of a future where everyone in Washington, particularly those who have been historically and systematically denied full enjoyment of their promised civil rights and liberties, are free to do so without barriers.

Defending and advancing these fundamental rights and core values requires exceptional staff.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU‑WA) is pleased to offer an externship to interested law school students for the upcoming Fall 2026 term. Educational benefits include obtaining hands‑on experience in applying constitutional theories and case law to legal problems and learning how to conduct factual investigation of complaints. Students become familiar with administrative regulations and agency protocols, while developing a practical understanding of constitutional law.

Academic credit can be arranged.

At the ACLU‑WA, law students gain exposure to a broad range of racial justice, civil liberties and civil rights issues and the opportunity to improve legal writing and research skills. Students work closely with staff attorneys conducting legal research, writing legal memoranda, and drafting correspondence to government agencies in response to documented complaints of civil liberties and civil rights violations. Students also assist ACLU attorneys in the development of cases for litigation, litigating cases through pre‑trial matters and trial, and submission of amicus curiae briefs in both state and federal appellate courts.

Students will gain experience working within an organization that is committed to centering the voices and lived experiences of directly impacted communities.

Prerequisites include academic standing as a rising 2L or 3L during the 2026 Fall externship time period, an interest in civil liberties and civil rights, good interpersonal and analytical skills, and the ability to write in a clear and concise manner.

Seattle, Washington

Externs should receive credit for the hours worked. There is no financial compensation for the fall externship.

The Fall 2026 Legal Externship position is part or full time for a minimum of 10 weeks.

Decision‑making, high emotional intelligence, giving and receiving feedback and building trusting relationships. The nature of this work can be emotionally demanding and requires thoughtful and clear communication and resilience.

The ACLU‑WA observes a hybrid workstyle, with some working primarily remotely while others work in the office several days a week. This position is required to work in the office a minimum of two (2) days per week. Our office is generally open between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is located in downtown Seattle. The physical demands and work environment described below represent those required and encountered by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Access to a computer for long periods of time.
• Remain stationary for extended periods.
• Access information communicated through a computer.

ACLU‑WA provides laptops, home office supplies, certain equipment, and technology support. You will need an effective Wi‑Fi connection and a way to communicate by phone.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé and three references on our online job portal. In your cover letter, please explain the ways in which you satisfy the skills and qualifications specified above. We also invite you to include in your cover letter information about how your background and/or experience could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and advocacy work.

Please submit with your application three professional references who can provide feedback about…