Summer 2025 Legal Intern National Political And Advocacy Department Immigration

Company Intelligence

• Company history, size, and industry position: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was founded in 1920 and is one of the most prominent nonprofit organizations in the United States dedicated to defending and preserving individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the U.S. The ACLU operates nationally with affiliates in every state, employing hundreds of staff and supported by thousands of volunteers and members. It is widely recognized as a leader in civil rights and liberties advocacy, litigation, and policy work.
• Recent news, growth, and strategic directions: The ACLU remains at the forefront of major civil liberties battles, including defending free speech, fighting book bans, advocating for racial justice, and challenging government overreach. Recent strategic directions include increased focus on immigration rights, voting rights, criminal justice reform, and combating censorship in schools and communities.
• Company culture and work environment: The ACLU fosters a mission-driven, inclusive, and intellectually rigorous environment. Staff and interns are expected to be passionate about social justice, open to diverse perspectives, and committed to nonpartisan advocacy. The organization values collaboration, mentorship, and professional development, with a strong emphasis on ethical conduct and respect for all individuals.
• Values, mission, and what they stand for: The ACLU’s mission is to defend and extend civil rights and civil liberties for all, regardless of background, through litigation, advocacy, and public education. Core values include equality, freedom of speech, due process, and government accountability. The organization is nonpartisan and works to protect the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations.
• Office locations and hybrid/remote policies: The ACLU is headquartered in New York City, with offices and affiliates in every state. For this internship, the position is remote within the USA, reflecting the ACLU’s flexible approach to hybrid and remote work, especially for internships and early-career roles.

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Program Deep Dive

• Detailed program structure and timeline: The Summer 2025 Legal Intern program typically runs for 10-12 weeks during the summer, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate academic calendars. Interns work full-time (usually 35-40 hours per week) and participate in both individual and team-based projects.
• Specific skills and competencies they're looking for:
• Legal research and writing (especially on immigration and constitutional law)
• Analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Commitment to civil liberties and social justice
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting
• Daily responsibilities and learning opportunities:
• Conducting legal research and drafting memoranda on immigration policy and litigation
• Assisting with case preparation, including reviewing court documents and evidence
• Monitoring legislative and policy developments affecting immigrants’ rights
• Participating in strategy meetings and advocacy campaigns
• Attending virtual trainings and seminars on civil liberties topics
• Mentorship and training provided: Interns are paired with supervising attorneys for regular feedback and mentorship. The ACLU offers structured onboarding, skill-building workshops, and opportunities to interact with senior staff and guest speakers.
• Career progression paths after completion: Many former interns pursue law school, public interest fellowships, or entry-level roles at nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or law firms. The ACLU’s reputation and network provide a strong foundation for careers in civil rights law and advocacy.

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Application Success Guide

• Exact application requirements and deadlines:
• Resume
• Cover letter (tailored to the ACLU’s mission and the immigration focus)
• Unofficial transcript
• Writing sample (preferably legal or policy analysis, 5-10 pages)
• References (usually 2-3)
• Deadline: Applications for summer internships typically open in fall and close by late January or early February. Check the application URL for the exact 2025 deadline.
• Step-by-step application process:

1. Prepare all required documents.
2. Submit your application via the ACLU’s Greenhouse portal.
3. Selected candidates are invited for one or more virtual interviews.
4. Some roles may require a short written exercise or case analysis.
5. Offers are extended on a rolling basis.

• Common interview questions for this specific role/company:
• Why are you interested in working with the ACLU and specifically on immigration issues?
• Describe a time you conducted legal research on a complex issue.
• How do you handle conflicting deadlines or priorities?
• What does “civil liberties” mean to you?
• How would you approach a sensitive or controversial case?
• Assessment centers or case studies they use: The ACLU may ask for a written legal analysis or policy memo as part of the process, but does not typically use formal assessment centers for internships.
• What makes a standout candidate:
• Demonstrated passion for civil rights and immigration justice
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Experience with advocacy, student organizations, or community service
• Ability to articulate the ACLU’s mission and how your values align

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Insider Tips

• Company-specific interview tips and what they value:
• Show deep understanding of the ACLU’s history, mission, and current priorities.
• Be ready to discuss recent legal or policy developments in immigration.
• Demonstrate humility, openness to learning, and respect for diverse viewpoints.
• Technical skills vs soft skills priorities: Both are important, but legal research/writing and analytical skills are essential. The ACLU also highly values empathy, communication, and teamwork.
• Industry knowledge you should demonstrate:
• Current immigration law and policy debates
• Landmark Supreme Court cases on civil liberties
• Awareness of intersectionality and the impact of immigration policy on marginalized groups
• Questions to ask interviewers to show genuine interest:
• What are the biggest challenges facing the ACLU’s immigration advocacy right now?
• How do interns contribute to ongoing litigation or policy campaigns?
• What mentorship or feedback structures are in place for interns?
• How does the ACLU support professional development for early-career staff?
• Red flags to avoid in applications/interviews:
• Generic or copy-paste cover letters
• Lack of familiarity with the ACLU’s work or values
• Overstating experience or failing to acknowledge areas for growth

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Practical Information

• Salary/stipend ranges for this level: ACLU legal internships are often paid, with stipends typically ranging from $6,000 to $8,000 for the summer, depending on funding and location. Some positions may also be eligible for academic credit or external funding.
• Benefits package details: Interns may receive access to professional development workshops, networking events, and limited paid time off. Health benefits are generally not provided for interns.
• Start dates and program duration: Most summer internships begin in late May or early June and last 10-12 weeks.
• Networking opportunities and alumni connections: Interns join a robust network of ACLU alumni, including attorneys, advocates, and public interest leaders. The ACLU hosts virtual networking events and encourages ongoing connections among former interns.

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Actionable Advice:

• Tailor your application to the ACLU’s mission and the specific immigration focus.
• Highlight both your legal skills and your commitment to social justice.
• Prepare thoughtful questions and demonstrate awareness of current events in immigration law.
• Use your cover letter to show not just what you’ve done, but why it matters to you and how it connects to the ACLU’s work.