San Francisco, Fresno, or Sacramento, CA Hybrid

ACLU of Northern California is hiring a Fall 2026 Democracy, Speech & Technology Externship

About the Role

The extern will support litigation and policy efforts related to free speech, democratic participation, and the impact of emerging technologies on civil rights. Responsibilities include legal research, drafting memoranda, and assisting with case strategy in a public interest law setting.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct legal research on constitutional rights and technology-related civil liberties issues
  • Draft legal memoranda and policy analyses on free speech and democratic engagement
  • Assist in preparing litigation materials for court filings and administrative submissions
  • Support development of advocacy strategies to protect civic participation
  • Analyze the civil rights implications of surveillance and algorithmic decision systems
  • Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions on ongoing legal campaigns
  • Review proposed legislation and draft comments or position statements
  • Collaborate with staff on public education materials related to digital rights
  • Monitor court decisions and regulatory actions affecting speech and democracy
  • Help organize community outreach initiatives on technology and civil liberties
  • Gather and summarize data on government use of emerging technologies
  • Participate in case strategy sessions under attorney supervision
  • Contribute to amicus brief research and content development
  • Engage with coalition partners on joint advocacy efforts
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of First Amendment and civil rights law developments

Nice to Have

  • Prior experience in a legal or public interest setting
  • Background in technology, computer science, or data policy
  • Involvement in student-led civil rights or advocacy organizations
  • Research or writing sample on constitutional law topics
  • Knowledge of local, state, or federal legislative processes

Benefits

  • Practical experience in civil rights litigation and policy advocacy
  • Mentorship from experienced legal and policy professionals
  • Opportunities to contribute to high-impact legal initiatives
  • Exposure to cutting-edge issues at the intersection of law and technology
  • Networking with civil liberties advocates and legal experts

Compensation

Unpaid

Work Arrangement

Hybrid

Team

Legal and advocacy team focused on civil rights and liberties

About the Program

This externship is part of a long-standing legal education initiative that connects law students with real-world civil rights challenges. Participants gain direct experience in litigation support, policy analysis, and public advocacy on issues affecting fundamental freedoms.

Commitment

The externship runs for the duration of the fall academic term. A minimum weekly time commitment is required, with flexibility to accommodate class schedules. Regular attendance at team meetings is expected.

Not available

About company
ACLU of Northern California

The ACLU of Northern California is a nonprofit civil rights organization dedicated to defending and advancing the civil liberties and civil rights of all people in the region and across the country. As a part of the larger ACLU network, it operates independently to challenge injustice and protect constitutional rights through litigation, advocacy, and public education.

The organization focuses on a wide range of critical issues, including immigrants' rights, racial justice, free speech, privacy and technology, criminal law reform, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and the rights of unhoused people. It takes on cases and campaigns that confront systemic discrimination, government overreach, and threats to democracy, particularly in times of political and social crisis.

Through grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and high-impact litigation, the ACLU of Northern California empowers communities and holds institutions accountable. It provides resources like Know Your Rights guides and supports individuals facing civil liberties violations, ensuring that constitutional protections are accessible to everyone, regardless of status.

All jobs at ACLU of Northern California Visit website
Job Details
Department Legal Advocacy Department
Category other
Posted 5 days ago