Posted July 08, 2026
Fall 2026 Legal Department Externship
ACLU of Washington
Seattle, WA
Full Time
Reference: ACLUofWashingtonEeEuaZJtcn
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. Learn more about the ACLU-WA.
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.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
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.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
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.
LOCATION: Seattle, Washington
COMPENSATION: Externs should receive credit for the hours worked. There is no financial compensation for the fall externship.
CLASSIFICATION: The Fall 2026 Legal Externship position is part or full time for a minimum of 10 weeks.
MENTAL DEMAND: 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.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS: 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.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: 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.
REFERENCES: Please submit with your application three professional references who can provide feedback about and have direct knowledge of your work experience. Note that there may be outreach to other references that fall outside of your designated list.
HIRING TIMELINE: This position is open until filled with the first review of candidates scheduled for July 17, 2026. We will schedule interviews with qualified candidates after the first review of candidates.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) are core values of the ACLU-WA and are foundational to our work to advance liberty, equality and justice for all. When we secure liberty, freedom and justice for those most marginalized, we ensure everyone experiences dignity and equity, enjoying freedoms unimpeded by racial, economic injustice and other forms of oppression. This work requires our collective commitment.
With this in mind, we value a diverse workforce and an inclusive work culture. The ACLU-WA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, socio-economic circumstance, record of arrest or conviction and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We do not conduct criminal background checks on our candidates.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
ACLU-WA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email [email protected] to receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the application process. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding accommodations during the interview process.
Legal Department Externship for Fall 2026
First Review of Applicants Scheduled for July 17, 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. Learn more about the ACLU-WA.
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.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
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.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
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.
LOCATION: Seattle, Washington
COMPENSATION: Externs should receive credit for the hours worked. There is no financial compensation for the fall externship.
CLASSIFICATION: The Fall 2026 Legal Externship position is part or full time for a minimum of 10 weeks.
MENTAL DEMAND: 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.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS: 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.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: 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.
REFERENCES: Please submit with your application three professional references who can provide feedback about and have direct knowledge of your work experience. Note that there may be outreach to other references that fall outside of your designated list.
HIRING TIMELINE: This position is open until filled with the first review of candidates scheduled for July 17, 2026. We will schedule interviews with qualified candidates after the first review of candidates.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) are core values of the ACLU-WA and are foundational to our work to advance liberty, equality and justice for all. When we secure liberty, freedom and justice for those most marginalized, we ensure everyone experiences dignity and equity, enjoying freedoms unimpeded by racial, economic injustice and other forms of oppression. This work requires our collective commitment.
With this in mind, we value a diverse workforce and an inclusive work culture. The ACLU-WA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, socio-economic circumstance, record of arrest or conviction and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We do not conduct criminal background checks on our candidates.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
ACLU-WA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email [email protected] to receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the application process. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding accommodations during the interview process.
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