The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky’s Legal Internship Program gives law students who have completed at least their first year of law school and one semester of Constitutional Law the opportunity to work with the organization’s Legal Team on a wide range of civil liberties issues. An affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Kentucky is a statewide organization whose office is located in Louisville, Kentucky. Its mission is to promote and defend individual civil liberties throughout the Commonwealth through education, advocacy, and litigation.

As an intern, you will be supervised directly by the ACLU of Kentucky’s Legal Director and work with the entire staff on a wide range of civil liberties issues. Legal experiences will range from legal research and brief writing to assisting with all phases of ongoing litigation. Additional opportunities may include conducting legislative analysis, screening and summarizing client intake, and conducting factual investigations into potential civil liberties violations.

Learn about our legal program here and meet the team here.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

• Time Commitment: Full-time (35 hours/week) for 10 weeks in Summer 2027 (likely beginning June 1 or June 14, 2027)
• Compensation: $8,400
• Location: Hybrid/in-person internship in Louisville, KY. For ACLU-KY, the intern must be at least hybrid and it is mandatory that the intern be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Legal, policy, and administrative/regulatory research
• Drafting legal documents
• Drafting public-facing documents, e.g. know-your-rights documents or awareness-raising materials
• Participating in client intake
• Other projects as assigned based on affiliate placement

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current law student at the time of application (graduating no earlier than December 2027)
• Strong research and writing skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft programs, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to take initiative, think creatively, problem solve, and take ownership of projects and assignments
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills and ability to be a team player
• Commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, email the following to [email protected]: (1) a cover letter (1 page maximum), (2) a résumé, and (3) a writing sample (10 pages maximum).
• Application Requirement: Please label each of your materials with your full name when you submit them (ex. First Name Last Name – Resume)

PRIORITY deadline*: Tuesday December 1, 2026

FINAL deadline: Monday January 4, 2027

* We strongly encourage you to apply by the priority deadline*

Accommodations
The ACLU of Kentucky is an equal-opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.
ACLU-KY encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and record of arrest or conviction.
We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact:
Andrew Hillard
Executive Administrator
[email protected]