Summer Democracy, Speech & Technology Project Extern

Overview

Summer 2026 Democracy, Speech & Technology Project Extern at the ACLU of Northern California. This internship is with the Legal Advocacy Department and focuses on safeguarding free speech, privacy, and open government in the digital world and beyond. Location options include San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno; in-person or hybrid models may be available. Please indicate your preference and willingness to be based in each location in your application.

Deadline: Open until filled.

• Conduct legal and policy research and analysis related to democracy, speech, and technology.
• Assist in authoring reports, advocacy materials, portions of court documents, and pre-litigation demand letters.
• Support legislative or other local campaigns and attend public hearings when possible.
• Attend appellate arguments, trial court proceedings, and depositions when opportunities arise.
• Participate in departmental meetings to learn about litigation and policy strategies. Opportunities may arise to work across the Department’s three broad issue areas, including Criminal Law & Immigration and Appeals & Special Litigation.

• Currently enrolled in law school or a graduate program in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Science, Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, or a related field.
• Strong interest in the intersection of civil liberties, free speech, technology, and privacy.
• Strong research, writing, and oral communication skills; detail-oriented with a commitment to social justice and the ideals of the ACLU.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to work with intensity and focus.
• ACLU Nor Cal accepts two to three Democracy, Speech & Technology Externs per term.

• Applications must include: (1) Cover Letter (why you want to work on this Project/Issue Area, in-person vs remote work preference, and how you found the opening); (2) Resume; (3) Writing Sample.
• PDF format required; no undergraduate applications considered.

The ACLU of Northern California advances equity and inclusion in the workplace by providing equal employment opportunity to support a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, and other bases prohibited by law.

Reasonable accommodations are provided. This policy applies to all aspects of employment. The organization strives to maintain a diverse and accessible workforce reflective of the communities served. The ACLU Nor Cal will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.