The ACLU of Wisconsin operates two programs for law students: one during the summer and one during the academic year. Our legal interns develop valuable skills in client interviewing, legal research and writing, and community organizing.
The ACLU uses public education, informal advocacy and targeted litigation to help maintain and advance civil liberties, including freedoms of association, press, religion, and speech, as well as core civil rights, including voting rights, due process and privacy rights, and the right to equal protection, for all people in Wisconsin. The ACLU does not offer volunteers salary or compensation, or provide insurance or benefits. The ACLU does complete any paperwork a volunteer may need in order to obtain funding from another source for work done in connection with the internship.
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and writing sample to intake@aclu-wi.org. Or you may mail these materials to ACLU of Wisconsin, 207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 325, Milwaukee, WI, 53217.
The ACLU also accepts a limited number of non-law students for volunteer positions. For more information, click here.
The ACLU of Wisconsin accepts up to four law students for in-depth work at our Milwaukee offices from May until August. Summer Interns work full time for 10 to 12 weeks. Students are encouraged to seek grants to fund their positions.
Summer Interns work closely with the Legal Director and staff attorneys on case development and litigation. Students may draft pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents; conduct legal research and prepare memoranda; develop strategy and legal theories; gather evidence; and attend meetings with clients, conferences with opposing counsel, and any court proceedings. Summer Interns also have the opportunity to conduct intakes of potential clients, interact with other counsel and experts, and attend press conferences and government meetings.
The Student Intake Intern provides support to the ACLU of Wisconsin legal department. This is a part-time volunteer position ideal for a current law student or paralegal student interested in civil liberties issues.
Under the supervision of the Legal Director and the Paralegal/Intake Coordinator, the Intake Intern assists with the efficient handling of legal inquiries from members of the public, maintaining the legal department database, and providing occasional litigation support to staff attorneys and cooperating pro bono counsel. The Intake Intern reports directly to the Legal Director and the Paralegal/Intake Coordinator but works closely with staff attorneys and the Executive Director.
The ACLU of Wisconsin and ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers and encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.