2026 1l summer associate Jobs in Washington

2026 1l summer associate

2026 policy and research summer internship Jobs in Washington

2026 policy and research summer internship

communications assistant - temporary Jobs in Washington

communications assistant - temporary

government affairs intern summer 2026 Jobs in Washington

government affairs intern summer 2026

grad intern

2026 development and communications summer internship

Center for Democracy & Technology

<div>Intern at DC&rsquo;s Top Tech Policy Think Tank this Summer!

The Center for Democracy &amp; Technology (CDT) is now accepting applications for internships for the summer of 2026. We welcome applications from students currently enrolled in graduate and undergraduate programs with an interest in the internet and technology policy, human rights, civil rights, and civil liberties. The summer internship program is a 10-week opportunity for students to apply the principles they have learned in the classroom in real policy and non-profit environments.

Summer interns work closely with CDT operations, development, and communications staff on an array of projects across our policy areas. Typical tasks for these roles include the following: editing CDT reports, drafting social media copy, staffing in person and online events and supporting strategic communications, researching development prospects, supporting grant applications, and otherwise supporting fundraising for a 50+ person organization. CDT works on a number of issues related to technology, including AI governance, consumer privacy, online expression, digital surveillance, civic technology, and elections &amp; democracy. When appropriate, summer interns are also able to join meetings with outside stakeholders.

This listing describes the application process for two types of internships:
<ul>
<li>Communications Internship
</li>
<li>Development &amp; External Affairs Internship
</li>
</ul>General Qualifications
<ul>
<li>Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize.
</li>
<li>Ability to work independently when assigned projects.
</li>
<li>Genuine curiosity and motivation to work at the intersection of technology, policy, civil rights, and civil liberties, with an imaginative approach to their work.
</li>
<li>Undergraduate, MA, and any other degree candidates are encouraged to apply.
</li>
</ul>Communications candidates typically have:
<ul>
<li>Superb writing skills (and a deep personal commitment to grammatical pedantry)
</li>
<li>A passion for exploring a wide range of new topics and sharing what they learn with others
</li>
<li>A can-do attitude and a creative approach to problem solving
</li>
<li>An interest in media, journalism and policy communication
</li>
</ul>Development &amp; External Affairs candidates typically have:
<ul>
<li>Interest in helping develop and execute strategies to engage external stakeholders&mdash;including tech company contacts, nonprofit and academic leaders, and philanthropic funders.
</li>
<li>Desire to learn about nonprofit management and operations.
</li>
<li>Readiness to jump into a team-first atmosphere and have some fun!
</li>
</ul>Please apply below by submitting a current resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in interning at CDT and answering the following prompt. Please specify in your cover letter which of the internships you are interested in (see above.) If you have any questions, please contact internapps@cdt.org.

Writing prompt
<div>
<ul><li>Describe a time where you distilled a complex policy topic for different audiences and tell us about how you approached this?
</li></ul>
</div>Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning on November 1st, 2025. Applications for this role will close on February 1, 2026. In general, it takes 4-12 weeks to review applications after they are submitted and offers for internships are typically sent between March-May. Interviews will begin in January 2026.

All internships are slated to begin right after Memorial Day and run for about 10 weeks. Interns who are not receiving funding from another source such as a school stipend or fellowship will receive a stipend of $7,500 over the course of the 10-week program.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.</div>

2026 Development and Communications Summer Internship

<div>Intern at DC&rsquo;s Top Tech Policy Think Tank this Summer!

The Center for Democracy &amp; Technology (CDT) is now accepting applications for internships for the summer of 2026. We welcome applications from students currently enrolled in law, graduate and PhD programs with an interest in the internet and technology policy, human rights, civil rights, and civil liberties. The summer internship program is a 10-week opportunity for students to apply the principles they have learned in the classroom in real policy environments.

Summer interns work closely with CDT policy experts, researchers, technologists and attorneys on an array of civil rights, civil liberties and international human rights issues related to technology and the internet, including AI governance, competition, consumer privacy, online expression, digital surveillance, equity in technology, and elections &amp; democracy. When appropriate, summer interns are also able to join meetings with outside stakeholders.

This listing describes the application process for our Legal, Policy, Research, or Technologist Internships (working closely with at least one of several CDT teams, including AI Governance Lab, Elections &amp; Democracy, Civic Technology, Free Expression, Privacy &amp; Data, Security &amp; Surveillance, State Policy Engagement and Research).

Depending on an applicant&rsquo;s skills, expertise, and background, the tasks and projects performed over the course of the internship could include qualitative and quantitative research, legal research and analysis, and research and writing about technical and policy issues. In general, interns in PhD programs are placed in policy or research-focused roles, law students are placed in legal or policy-focused roles, technologists are placed in technical and policy roles, and policy students are placed on policy teams.

Successful candidates typically have:
<ul>
<li>Experience in the use of legal and/or academic research tools.
</li>
<li>Excellent writing skills for communicating with technical, policy, and lay audiences.
</li>
<li>Ability to work independently when assigned projects.</li>
<li>
Genuine curiosity and motivation to work at the intersection of technology, policy, civil rights, and civil liberties, with an imaginative approach to their work.
</li>
<li>An understanding of technology, policy, and law and also how those may have a disparate impact on individuals and communities based on race, gender, disability, income, immigration status, or other circumstances or characteristics.
</li>
<li>JD, MA or MPP, and PhD candidates only.
</li>
</ul>Please apply below by submitting a current resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in interning at CDT and answering one of the following prompts. If you have any questions, please contact internapps@cdt.org.

Writing prompts

Legal, Policy, Research, or Technologist Internships:

Choose one of the following prompts and answer it in your cover letter.
<div>
<ul><li>What is one technology policy problem you would be interested in working on during your time at CDT and why do you think it is important?
</li></ul>
<ul><li>Describe a time where you advocated for or supported a specific technology policy or issue. What motivated you to get involved, and what impact did your efforts have, if any? Please note that advocacy can take many forms, including writing a column, working on a school project, or collaborating with colleagues to raise awareness about an issue.
</li></ul>
</div>Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning on November 1st, 2025. Applications for this role will close on February 1, 2026. In general, it takes 4-12 weeks to review applications after they are submitted and offers for internships are typically sent between March-May. Interviews will begin in January 2026.

All internships are slated to begin right after Memorial Day and run for about 10 weeks. Interns who are not receiving funding from another source such as a school stipend or fellowship will receive a stipend of $7,500 over the course of the 10-week program.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.</div>

2026 Policy and Research Summer Internship

Kelley Drye

<div><div>Kelley Drye &amp; Warren&rsquo;s DC office is looking for first year law students to join the 2026 summer program. The summer program in Washington, DC is designed to give law students insight into life at Kelley Drye as a junior associate. There is no better way to discover what makes our firm unique than to be a part of the action. After a summer with us, we are confident that you will appreciate the results we achieve for our clients, the depth of our professionalism, and the down-to-earth atmosphere that we enjoy at Kelley Drye.</div><div>
Kelley Drye&rsquo;s DC office serves clients in a broad range of industries, from regulations and technology to manufacturing and marketing. The centerpiece of the DC program is the personalized rotation schedule, which allows you the opportunity to work closely with attorneys in different practice areas and contribute to their client matters. During the summer, associates rotate through up to three of the following practice groups: Advertising &amp; Privacy, Communications, Environmental &amp; Energy, Government Contracts, Government Relations &amp; Public Policy, International Trade &amp; Customs, Litigation, and Real Estate. The program is structured to provide a glimpse into three designated practice groups, while also allowing the flexibility to sample assignments from other areas of law as well.</div><div>
The summer experience at Kelley Drye is not just limited to the office. Summer associates are encouraged to take advantage of all the interesting and exciting opportunities that a DC practice has to offer, such as attending hearings on the Hill, observing our Trade partners argue in front of the International Trade Commission, or watching an Advertising attorney at an FTC hearing.</div><div>
The 2026 program will take place in our new DC office at The Wharf &mdash; a buzzing, waterfront neighborhood. Whether you&rsquo;ve lived in DC your whole life, or this is your first summer here, we are confident that firm traditions will allow you to get to know your coworkers off the clock while taking in the best parts of DC life.</div><div>
For more information on Kelley Drye, please visit www.kelleydrye.com. If you are interested in applying for the 1L summer associate position, please submit your cover letter, resume, undergraduate transcript, and 1st semester law school transcript once available.</div><div>
Apply here</div></div>

2026 1L Summer Associate

NATIONAL WOMEN'S LAW CENTER

<div>The Position

The National Women&rsquo;s Law Center (NWLC) seeks a legal intern for Summer 2026 to support the Strategy and Policy team on cross-cutting democratic reform and judicial nominations work. Law students who are able to commit to 37.5 hours per week are eligible to apply.

This is a full-time, non-exempt paid position of 37.5 hours per week to start June 1, 2026, and end August 8, 2026. This work may be done hybrid or in-person. 


The Organization

The National Women&rsquo;s Law Center fights for gender justice &mdash; in the courts, in public policy, and in our society &mdash; working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls.

We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all of us &mdash; especially women of color, LGBTQI+ people, and low-income women and families.

For more than 50 years, we have been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women, and we need you with us to continue this fight. 


Duties and Responsibilities
<ul>
<li>Research and draft advocacy resources, comments, and memos concerning democratic and court reform at the federal and state level and democracy-related litigation.</li>
<li>Support our judicial nominations work through legal research and preparation of advocacy resources.</li>
<li>Monitor, track, and summarize legal policy developments relevant to our democracy and nominations work.</li>
<li>Participate in coalition meetings and events, attend executive and Congressional proceedings, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders to further our democracy and nominations work.</li>
<li>Other related duties as assigned.</li></ul> 


 Qualifications:
<ul>
<li>Current enrollment in law school. 1L, 2L, and 3L students may apply.</li>
<li>Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.</li>
<li>Experience working on gender justice issues with an intersectional lens.</li>
<li>Experience or interest in a research, advocacy, or policymaking environment.</li>
<li>Demonstrated experience and judgment working both collaboratively and independently.</li>
<li>Flexibility, creativity, and initiative along with excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills.</li></ul> 


Key Relations

The legal intern will report to the Director of Nominations &amp; Democracy. 


Compensation &amp; Benefits

The intern will be paid an hourly rate of $17.95 per hour. This position is not eligible for benefits. If funding is available through the intern&rsquo;s school, the payment contribution from NWLC will be adjusted accordingly. 


 Classification

This position is not included in the union-represented bargaining unit, NWLC United, affiliated with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union/IFPTE Local 70. 


How to Apply

To apply, please submit:
<ul>
<li>A resume;</li>
<li>A cover letter explaining your interest in this internship; and</li>
<li>A short legal writing sample</li>
</ul>
This position will be open for up to a month maximum until November 30, 2025, or until 250 applications have been received (whichever comes first). NWLC posts a number of internship opportunities. If you wish to be considered for more than one internship, please apply separately to each position of interest.

The National Women&rsquo;s Law Center and National Women&rsquo;s Law Center Action Fund are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and value a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek applications from people with disabilities; people of all gender identities and sexual orientations; people of color; and veterans.

Research indicates members of marginalized groups tend to underestimate their qualifications and apply only if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about NWLC&rsquo;s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don&rsquo;t check all the boxes, please apply. We&rsquo;d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 


Reasonable Accommodations

If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email NWLCHR@nwlc.org.</div>

Summer 2026 – Legal Intern for Nominations & Democracy

Anduril Industries

<div>
 Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century&rsquo;s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril&rsquo;s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
 
 
 We are seeking Software Engineering Interns for
 
 Summer 2026
 
 ! This is a paid, in-person, 12 week internship in Washington, DC!
 
 
 
 What You&rsquo;ll Do
 
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Support the software solutions that are deployed to customers and key stakeholders.
 </li>
 <li>
 Write code to improve products and scale the mission capability to more customers.
 </li>
 <li>
 Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality.
 </li>
 <li>
 Create and analyze metrics that are leveraged for debugging and monitoring.
 </li>
 <li>
 Triage issues, root cause failures, and coordinate next-steps.
 </li>
 <li>
 Work on real, meaningful projects and learn from experienced professionals along the way.
 
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 Required Qualifications
 
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Must be pursuing a Bachelor&rsquo;s or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer/Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or any related field.
 </li>
 <li>
 Must be a rising senior at the time of their internship and returning to school at the end of their internship to continue their academic studies for at least one quarter/semester.
 </li>
 <li>
 Familiarity with algorithms, data structures, storage systems, cloud infrastructure, front-end frameworks, and other technical tools.
 </li>
 <li>
 Proficiency in a variety of programming languages such as C++, Go, Rust, Java, and Python.
 </li>
 <li>
 A desire to work on software and applications that have real-world impact.
 </li>
 <li>
 U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
 
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 Preferred Qualifications
 
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Have a bias for action. If you see a problem, you want to solve and fix it.
 </li>
 <li>
 Be naturally curious about the technologies and tools you use.
 </li>
 <li>
 Low-ego, high ownership, and mission oriented.
 
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 Healthcare Benefits
 
 
 
 The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
 </li>
 <li>
 UK &amp; AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
 </li>
 <li>
 IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
 
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 Additional Benefits
 
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
 </li>
 <li>
 Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver &amp; Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
 </li>
 <li>
 Family Planning &amp; Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
 </li>
 <li>
 Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
 </li>
 <li>
 Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
 </li>
 <li>
 Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
 </li>
 <li>
 Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
 
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 Retirement Savings Plan
 
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
 </li>
 <li>
 UK &amp; IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
 </li>
 <li>
 AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.
 
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.
 
 
 To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
</div>

Software Engineer Intern

National Fair Housing Alliance

<div>About the National Fair Housing Alliance &amp; the Opportunity 
The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) has an opening for current 2L or 3L law students to serve as Law Clerk during the spring of 2026. The law clerk will assist with NFHA&rsquo;s ongoing litigation matters and in systemic investigations and enforcement efforts, as well as performing other legal duties described below. 
 
Please note that NFHA is also seeking a summer law clerk and is posting that position separately. We also welcome working with law students to fulfill work-for-credit externship programs. 
 
NFHA leads the fair housing movement and is the nation's only national organization exclusively dedicated to eliminating all forms of housing discrimination and ensuring equitable housing opportunities for all people and communities. We have a diverse, experienced, mission-driven, and impactful team that has developed equity-based policies at the federal, state, and local levels to expand fair housing opportunities; brought precedent-setting litigation to eliminate some of the most heinous forms of housing discrimination; conducted groundbreaking research to promote equitable housing solutions; and invested millions of dollars in underserved communities. We have solid relationships, built on trust, with national, regional, and local organizations, and we effectively draw upon these connections to reach vital goals. We are game changers that millions of people rely upon to advance fair housing. 
 
Where you live matters. It affects every aspect of your life and determines whether you have access to the options and opportunities we all need to thrive. Yet despite important existing federal laws, more than four million acts of housing discrimination occur in the U.S. each year, and housing inequality remains stubbornly entrenched. That is why&mdash;through its education and outreach, member services, public policy, and advocacy, housing and community development, responsible AI, enforcement, and consulting and compliance programs&mdash;NFHA is dismantling longstanding barriers to equity, rooting out bias, and building diverse, inclusive, well-resourced communities. 
 
Essential Job Functions Responsibilities Overview<ul><li>
Research and preparation of legal memoranda</li><li>
Developing litigation and administrative complaints against entities engaged in providing, financing and/or building housing in a discriminatory manner and against government attempts to roll back fair housing rights.</li><li>
Assist with the technical support NFHA provides its member organizations on enforcement matters.</li><li>
Support NFHA&rsquo;s federal public policy advocacy, in coordination with legislative offices and federal agencies.</li><li>
May provide legal support to NFHA&rsquo;s consulting and compliance and responsible AI teams, depending on interest and availability.</li><li>
Assignments may vary depending on interest and availability.</li></ul> 

Qualifications and Competencies 
Education &amp; Experience:<ul><li>
Current 2L or 3L as of the spring 2026 semester.</li><li>
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.</li><li>
Strong commitment to public interest and civil rights law.
</li><li>Self-directed with the ability to work independently.
</li><li>Housing or civil rights law experience preferred.</li></ul>
 Expected Hours and Compensation<ul><li>
Average of 10-15 hours per week for up to 12 weeks during the spring semester</li><li>
The internship is paid at $25 per hour.</li></ul> 

Application Process: 
Apply to this position on the National Fair Housing Alliance Careers page with your resume, cover letter, a writing sample, and transcript of law school coursework. Applications without any of the required materials will not be considered. 
 
The posting will close by end of day on November 21, 2025 and applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. No telephone calls or emails please. 
 
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement 
NFHA values and encourages diversity in its workforce. NFHA supports affirmative action and is dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities. NFHA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other category or characteristic protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.
bV9NCbQDwC</div>

Spring Law Clerk

West End Strategy Team

West End Strategy Team is accepting applications for part-time paid internship positions for the spring 2026 term (January-May) in our Washington, D.C. office. We welcome undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to apply.
 
West End Strategy Team is a premier, full-service strategic communications firm focused on expanding social justice, racial and gender equity and human rights. We partner with clients to drive meaningful change through strategic communications, including earned media strategy, messaging, digital strategy and crisis communications.
 
Through our work with clients, we’re promoting human and civil rights. We’re advocating for reproductive rights. We’re fighting against attacks on our democracy at home and around the world. We’re opposing book bans that threaten the right to education in communities across the country, and we’re pushing back against unconstitutional restrictions on voting access. We’re working on the cutting-edge issues of the moment as we partner with leading organizations working to make our world a better place.
 
Interns based in the D.C.-area will preferably join the team on days when we’re in person. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are considered in-office days, while Thursdays and Fridays are remote. Interns should be able to commit to joining the WEST team for roughly 20 hours per week.
 
WEST interns have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working closely with organizations focused on expanding social justice, racial and gender equity and human rights. Responsibilities include: writing and editing materials for distribution to the media, drafting opinion pieces, developing social media content, researching client organizations and their issue areas, researching target journalists and compiling media lists, conducting media outreach, aggregating news content, and various clerical duties. Through this experience, interns will cultivate a working knowledge of highly relevant political and advocacy organizations, the major issues of the day, and the media.
 
Each application must include the following: resume, cover letter and writing sample. Only complete applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
 
The pay rate for this position is $17.95/hour.
 
WEST is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ applicants. As we work to create change through strategic communications, we are also working to create change in our company and in our industry.

Paid Intern - Spring 2026

Explore 470+ 2026 development and communications summer internship in Washington this November. Find roles across top companies and apply now to boost your career.