Rutherford Internship and Externship Programs
The Rutherford Institute Civil Liberties Externship Program (offered in two distinct sessions: during the academic school year and more intensively during the summer) is designed to engage students interested in constitutional and human rights issues with the unique opportunity to learn practical legal skills, while developing a critical understanding of constitutional law.
The Civil Liberties Internship Program, open to qualified law students and undergraduates interested in receiving a grounding in critical areas of law impacting civil liberties and religious freedom, has attracted top students from law schools across the country and abroad. The program provides interns with opportunities to engage in intensive research into constitutional and public policy issues coupled with practical assignments related to the ongoing work of The Rutherford Institute.
Many students have made contacts through the intern program that proved to be beneficial in developing career opportunities. Former interns now serve in nationally recognized law firms, as clerks for federal and state judges and in leadership roles with various civil liberties groups, including The Rutherford Institute. But perhaps more importantly, interns at The Rutherford Institute learn that we all have a duty to rise above our self-interests and work to help fight human rights abuses.
All externships are unpaid and fully remote, allowing interns the option to work from anywhere and often with flexible hours. Students are sometimes able to receive grants or stipends through their schools for unpaid internships doing pro bono work with a nonprofit organization.
An internship at The Rutherford Institute offers:
• practical legal experience:
Interns assist with researching and writing legal memoranda and briefs for attorneys affiliated with the Institute in cases in state and federal courts throughout the country, including the United States Supreme Court. Interns may also have an opportunity to interview clients and potential clients seeking legal assistance.
• intensive exposure to the underpinnings of law, philosophy & culture affecting human rights & civil liberties
Work Study, Independent Research and Externships
Work Study, Independent Research and Externship Programs provide law students with the opportunity to gain procedural and substantive knowledge through legal research and writing. Most of the assignments are for cases in litigation, providing a unique opportunity to improve legal skills while researching cutting-edge law.
The Rutherford Institute uniquely provides a way for law students to expand their legal education, increase their research skills and gain practical experience while attending law school through participation in these programs.
To Apply
First, second and third year law students, as well as LLM students, are encouraged to apply. Undergraduate students are also welcome to apply. Please email a cover letter, resume and writing samples to:
