Spring 2027 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 the social and economic harms of mass incarceration, the Justice Program seeks to create a safer, fairer, and more humane criminal justice system.  

We are seeking undergraduate interns to provide research and administrative support to staff on the Justice Program, located in our New York office.  
 

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

Responsibilities:   
All interns will assist with general administrative, research and clerical work for the Brennan Center, including filing, photocopying, answering phones, shipping and mailing, coordinating meetings, drafting routine correspondence and covering the reception desk. Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.    

In addition to administrative and reception duties, specific responsibilities include: Tracking developments in criminal justice; building lists of key stakeholders; conducting background research; assisting with report research, editing, and rollout; and administrative support.   

Qualifications:    
This role is open to current undergraduate students. The ideal candidates are independent self-starters; detail-oriented; energetic; punctual; and highly organized. Interns must also have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a passion for criminal justice issues. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word is a must. Salesforce experience is helpful. Experience with data or statistical analysis is also helpful, but not necessary. Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities.   

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

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

This internship is only open to undergraduate students in Spring 2027. 

Hours: Approximately 10-20 hours per week 

Pay: $18.40 per hour 
   
Duration: Spring Semester 2027 
   
Application Deadline: November 23, 2026  

Note: The Brennan Center will follow the rules of your school regarding internships. Therefore, if a school doesn’t allow you to do a paid internship for some reason (i.e., receiving credit, etc.), then your internship will not be paid. In addition, if you are participating in a formal school internship program that allows you to work more than our stated hours, we will make a determination based on our needs and further assessment of your school’s program. 

To Apply:  
Please visit >>LINK HERE<< and upload (preferably in pdf) your (1) resume, (2) cover letter, (3) one writing sample (up to 10 pages), and (4) a list of contact details for three supervisor references. In your cover letter, please specify what interests you about this role.     

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested students to apply early, as the position will be filled once qualified candidates are found. No phone calls, please.    

If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “Spring Justice Undergrad Internship” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred.   
 

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.