Legal Intern (JD Candidate)

Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Temporary, Non-Exempt, Remote

Organizational Overview

The Democracy Defenders family of organizations (a c3, c4, legally separate PAC, and The Contrarian) is a leader in the fight against authoritarianism, working strategically in the courts and court of public opinion to restore American democracy by: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding free and fair elections, and fighting corruption.

Role Purpose

The Legal Intern bolsters the work of our Litigation or Rapid Response Legal departments through legal research and writing. This is an excellent opportunity for a current JD candidate to gain hands-on experience, build relationships, and make a meaningful impact towards defending our democracy. 

To best protect, strengthen, and rebuild our democracy, it is critical that DDA’s staff reflects the diversity of backgrounds and experiences represented in the democracy we seek to defend.  Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Responsibilities

Legal intern work includes but is not limited to: 

• Producing high-quality legal research, analysis, and writing
• Contributing to legal memoranda, court filings, and amicus briefs
• Working quickly and effectively in support of DDA’s clients, which include state and local governments, major civil rights organizations, and anti-autocracy coalitions
• Delivering strategic advice and solutions to address challenges in real time, particularly in response to breaking events
• Working closely with organizations and principals across the political spectrum, including coordination of working groups
• Other tasks as needed

Interns are expected to balance their work on multiple projects, connect with other members of the legal team, and proactively adapt projects and work to fit a rapidly changing legal landscape.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a rising 2L or 3L at an ABA accredited law school
• Clear and concise written communication 
• Unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy 
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity and an ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs 
• Exemplary legal research skills
• Tolerant of juggling multiple, changing, and competing priorities in a fast-paced and extremely high-stakes environment
• Ability to meaningfully contribute to coinciding concurrent responsibilities, projects, and deadlines
• Self-starter who completes deliverables as planned while proactively seeking solutions and improvements to challenges
• Experience Bluebooking and cite checking preferred

Role and Compensation Details 

• This role can be Remote or can be based in the Washington DC/ DMV area
• This is a paid internship: $1000 per week 
• Interns will work 40 hours/week Monday through Friday from June 1 - July 31, 2026, with an option to extend 1-2 weeks into August. Start date is also flexible 

Application Instructions 

To apply, submit your resume, and in lieu of a cover letter, respond briefly (300 words or less) to the below prompts:

1. Why are you interested in working with us to protect democracy, election integrity, and the rule of law? 
2. What is one prior experience that makes you uniquely qualified for this role? Please explain briefly. 
3. What experience do you have, both personally and professionally, that will help you represent and engage audiences with the diversity of backgrounds and experiences found in our democracy? 

Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

If you are unsure about applying, we encourage you to make a case as to why you are a compelling candidate. A human reviews all application materials, and we are eager to hear from candidates who may not meet all of the qualifications, who possess transferable skills, and who have non-traditional work histories.