DLRP Internship Opportunities

Legal Internship Opportunities

Founded in 1998, the Drug Law Reform Project conducts the only national litigation program addressing civil rights and civil liberties violations arising from the war on drugs, with a particular focus on the racial inequities fostered by current drug policies. Based in Santa Cruz, CA, the DLRP is currently litigating cases in federal court challenging racial profiling in drug law enforcement, restrictions on medical marijuana, drug testing, government benefits policies, and rave promoter prosecution. The DLRP also provides legal support to drug policy reform efforts at the local, state, and national levels.

The Internship Program provides students with substantive legal experience and direct client contact under close supervision from the Project Director. Interns participate in all aspects of litigation, discovery, motion practice, and appellate briefs.

The DLRP seeks especially to address the racial and constitutional impacts of current drug policies. One of our cases on student drug testing was briefed and argued at the Supreme Court during the spring of 2002.

Applicants should have an interest in civil liberties and civil rights generally. Although no specialized experience with drug issues is required, such experience would be desirable. Applicants should also have excellent writing and communication skills, as well as the initiative and energy to see projects through to completion. The position is open to 1L (spring term only), 2L, & 3L students.

Send a letter, resume, and short writing sample to: Allen Hopper at the ACLU Drug Law Reform Project, 1101 Pacific Ave., Suite 333, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060.

We strongly encourage candidates to apply by September 15, for fall term, and January 15, for the spring term, but applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

The ACLU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, Women, Disabled Persons, Gays and Lesbians are encouraged to apply.