The Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) invites applications for summer internship positions to work with the Program in Washington, DC on issues relating to government and religion.

OVERVIEW
The Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief was established by the ACLU in 2005. The Program is designed to help safeguard American constitutional principles by ensuring that governmental laws and practices neither promote religion nor interfere with its free exercise. The Program’s goal is to preserve both religious freedom and the right of individual conscience through an integrated strategy of litigation, education, and public advocacy.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program is seeking 2-3 summer interns to work on active litigation and other related projects. Working closely with the Program’s Director, Director of Litigation, and Staff Attorney, interns will assist in all aspects of litigation including legal research, factual investigation, and drafting of memoranda, complaints, discovery materials, and briefs. Other responsibilities may include providing assistance and advice to ACLU affiliates, private attorneys, governmental entities, and others who seek the ACLU’s help; screening potential cases; and researching or drafting materials for public education. Internships will run for 10-12 weeks.

COMPENSATION
Students are highly encouraged to seek Public Interest Fellowship funds for the internship. Summer interns who do not secure funding from alternative sources, may be eligible for a stipend provided by the ACLU.

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should send via e-mail a cover letter, resume, transcript, the names and telephone numbers of two references, and one or two legal writing samples to:

Internship Coordinator
ACLU Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief
asende@dcaclu.org

We strongly encourage applicants to apply by January 31, 2008, but applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbians and gay men to apply.

The ACLU comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU Foundation. Both the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU Foundation are national organizations with the same overall mission, and share office space and employees. The ACLU has two separate corporate entities in order to do a broad range of work to protect civil liberties. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU.”