Law Clerk - Summer 2026

SUMMARY

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) legal department ensures equality, fairness, and justice through impact litigation and other legal advocacy initiatives that span from the historic Scopes “Monkey Trial” and representation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the sanitation workers’ march in Memphis to ensuring access to private prison records, protecting families’ religious freedom rights, advocating for gay and lesbian parents denied visitation with their children, and defending voters’ right to have their ballots counted. 

Law clerks will gain practical experience in civil liberties and constitutional rights cases. Students are involved in research and preparation of legal memoranda, fact investigations, client and witness interviews, discovery, pre-trial motions, handling of expert witnesses, and accompanying lawyers at court appearances. Additionally, clerks may have an opportunity to work with ACLU-TN’s legal department, cooperating attorneys around the state, and attorneys at the national offices of the ACLU in New York and Washington, DC. 

Law clerks report to the senior staff attorney and may collaborate with other ACLU-TN departments on various projects. Accepted candidates are assigned projects based on the intern's skills and interests, academic requirements (if applicable), and organizational needs. 

Depending on the applicant's needs and location, law clerks can be in-person, remote, or on a hybrid schedule. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current law student at the time of application (graduating no earlier than December 2026)
• 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 

COMPENSATION AND TIME COMMITMENT

• Summer law clerks are compensated at a rate of $24.00 per hour based on a 35‑hour workweek.
• This position is temporary and therefore does not include eligibility for medical, vacation, or retirement benefits.
• The internship is a 10‑week program scheduled for Summer 2026, with an expected start date of June 1 or June 15, 2026.

APPLY

If you're excited about devoting your talents and skills to the ACLU-TN, please apply through our Career Page hosted via JazzHR (see their privacy policy). The priority deadline for completed applications is March 13, 2026. Completed applications include a cover letter, resume, three references, and a short writing sample. The cover letter should explain your interest in working on specific civil liberties issues.

Phone calls will not be accepted. Priority will be given to completed applications received by the Friday, February 28, priority deadline. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, at which time the posting will be removed from the ACLU-TN/ACLU websites.

The ACLU of Tennessee is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Tennessee 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, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Black people; Indigenous people; people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary, gender-nonconforming and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; protected veterans; and formerly incarcerated individuals are all strongly encouraged to apply.

The ACLU of Tennessee makes every effort to ensure that its recruitment and employment practices provide all qualified persons, including persons with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions. The ACLU of Tennessee is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities. Please do not hesitate to inquire at [email protected] if you believe you may need accommodations during the application or interview process