Winter 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 the fight against terrorism. 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 an intern to provide administrative and clerical support to staff in our office in our Justice Program for the month of January. Applicants must be eligible for academic credit and a stipend from their institution to be considered.

Note: This internship is in-person at our New York City office in January 2026. Candidates must be able to come in-person Monday through Thursday for the month of January 2026, with some flexibility for exact start and end dates.

Responsibilities and Work Description:
The winter session intern will assist with research work for the Brennan Center’s Justice Program. Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.   Specifically, the winter session intern will have an opportunity to assist with projects including but not limited to: assisting with 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; assistance with 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, 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. Therefore, please consider submitting your application. 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 current undergraduate students.

Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm EST)

Duration: January 5 - January 30, 2026 (with some flexibility on exact start and end dates based on your school)

Application Deadline: November 21st, 2025

Note: Applicants must be eligible for academic credit and a stipend from their home institution. Those who do not receive academic credit and a stipend will not be considered. The Brennan Center will follow the rules of your school regarding internships.

To Apply: 
Please visit >> LINK HERE << and upload (preferably in pdf) your (1) resume, (2) cover letter (3) writing sample 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 “Justice Winter Undergrad Internship” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred.  

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.

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.