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Job Announcement |
The ACLU of Hawaiʻi is excited to announce that our Legal Department is accepting applications to work as an ACLU Legal Intern during Summer 2024!
Who We Are
The ACLU of Hawai‘i is an affiliate office of the American Civil Liberties Union, a national nonprofit organization devoted to the protection of civil liberties and civil rights through litigation, legislative advocacy, organizing, and community education. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi works primarily on issues that directly impact people who live in Hawaiʻi.
We take pride in our reputation of over 50 years fighting for people whose civil rights are challenged. And now—with never-before-imagined threats to civil liberties nationally, the increased need to be a check on government locally, and the 400-years overdue increased awareness of the impacts of systemic racism on every element of our society—it is the ideal time to join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of Hawai‘i and the United States.
We are currently pursuing specific integrated advocacy campaigns (Decriminalizing Poverty, Reimagining Policing, and Smart Justice) to expand civil liberties and civil rights while building the long-term power of the ACLU and the civil liberties movement.
What We Do
The Legal Department is currently working on a variety of matters, including litigation relating to police misconduct, the criminalization of houselessness, prisoners’ rights, abortion access, gender equity. The Legal Department also engages in other forms of advocacy, including by sending demand letters, filing amicus briefs, testifying before government bodies, and holding know-your-rights trainings.
Internship Overview
Legal Interns will, under the supervision of the Legal Director and/or Staff Attorney, support the litigation and other advocacy work of the Legal Department. Responsibilities include: research, drafting, interviewing, and investigation for cases involving civil and constitutional rights.
Location
The ACLU of Hawaiʻi office is located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi has a hybrid work model with three in-office days required each week. Residency in Honolulu is required.
Funding
The internship is a paid position. Interns will be paid at least $18 per hour with an anticipated internship period of 40 hours a week for ten weeks.
Qualifications
We will consider current law school students. We are looking for candidates with a demonstrated commitment to civil rights, equity, and social justice (broadly defined). Candidates should possess strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as strong communications, organizational, and time management skills. We value lived, educational, and professional experience that would make interns effective at working with communities that have been impacted by violations of civil rights and civil liberties. While not required, we prefer candidates who are familiar with Hawaiʻi—its culture, politics, history, and current civil rights and civil liberties challenges.
How to Apply
If you are a current student who is excited about devoting your talents and skills to the ACLU of Hawaiʻi this summer, please send—in a single combined PDF, and in the following order—(1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) writing sample, and (4) transcript to jobs@acluhawaii.org. The subject line of your transmittal email must be in the following form: “2024 Summer Legal Internship Application – [Last Name], [First Name]”.
The ACLU of Hawai’i is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation relating to the job announcement and application process, please email rleong@acluhawaii.org.
Here are further instructions on each application component:
- Cover letter. Your cover letter should not exceed 600 words. In the first paragraph, please state your preferred start and end dates and how you learned about the position.
- Resume. Please limit your resume to one page.
- Writing sample. Your writing sample must be no longer than 10 pages and should demonstrate your writing and legal/policy or research analysis skills and/or your ability to present ideas or arguments in a clear and organized manner. Your writing sample must also be your own work product.
- Transcript. An unofficial transcript is acceptable.
Deadline
We will accept applications until May 31, 2024. However, we plan to review the first round of applications in late January and make offers on a rolling basis. So we encourage you to apply sooner rather than later. When the position(s) are filled, this job posting will be removed.
The ACLU of Hawai'i is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. It is our policy to employ qualified people without regard to: race; color; religion; sex; national origin; age; ancestry; disability; sexual orientation; veteran’s status; marital status; civil union status; arrest or court record; citizenship; credit history; genetic information; gender identity or expression; status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking; or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.