Fall 2026 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 researching 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 an intern to provide administrative and research support to staff in our Justice Program.  

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

Responsibilities:  
The fall semester intern will assist with administrative and research work for the Brennan Center Justice Program. Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work. Specifically, the intern may have an opportunity to assist with projects including but not limited to: research on policies, programs, and laws that improve conditions in prisons; research on state and federal legislation that improves outcomes for those impacted by the justice system; planning programmatic events; and research on rapid response issues related to the Justice Program’s broader work. 

Qualifications:   
The ideal candidates are independent self-starters, detail-oriented, energetic, punctual, and highly organized, with an understanding of the Justice Program’s key goals and priorities. Interns must also have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a passion for our issues. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Salesforce experience is very helpful. Experience with data or statistical analysis is also helpful. Applicant must be open to evolving responsibilities.   

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.   

If you’re uncertain about meeting 100 percent of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role. 
 

This internship is only open to undergraduate students for Fall 2026. 

Hours: Approximately 10 – 20 hours per week 

Pay: $18.40 per hour   

Duration: September – December 2026 

Application Deadline: July 24, 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 >>LINK HERE<< and upload (preferably in pdf) your (1) resume, (2) cover letter, (3) writing sample of no more than 10 pages (4) and a list of contact details for three supervisor references. In your cover letter, please specify what interests you about the Justice team and the Brennan Center for Justice 
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 brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Justice Fall Undergraduate 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.