2027 Summer Legal Intern
Richmond, VA · On-site +1
$21/hr
Students may also assist ACLU attorneys in the development of cases for litigation, discovery ... Educational benefits of the internship include obtaining hands-on experience in applying ...
2027 Summer Legal Intern
Richmond, VA · On-site +1
$21/hr
Students may also assist ACLU attorneys in the development of cases for litigation, discovery ... Educational benefits of the internship include obtaining hands-on experience in applying ...
Internship Remote Attorney information
What is an internship remote attorney?
Internship remote attorneys are law students or recent graduates who perform legal work for a law firm, corporation, or organization remotely, often from home or another location outside the traditional office. These positions allow interns to gain legal experience, conduct research, draft documents, and support attorneys without being physically present. Remote legal internships have become more common due to advances in technology and increased flexibility in the legal industry. They offer valuable exposure to real-world legal work while accommodating various schedules and locations.
What types of projects and legal work can a remote attorney intern expect to handle during their internship?
As a remote attorney intern, you will typically be involved in a broad range of legal tasks, such as conducting legal research, drafting memos or briefs, reviewing contracts, and assisting with case preparation. While the scope of work varies depending on the firm or organization, remote interns often collaborate closely with supervising attorneys through virtual meetings and document sharing platforms. You may also participate in client interviews, help prepare discovery materials, and attend virtual hearings or team discussions. This exposure is designed to give you practical experience in different areas of law, improve your legal writing, and develop your understanding of remote legal practice.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship remote attorney, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Internship Remote Attorney, you generally need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or current law school enrollment, strong legal research and writing abilities, and familiarity with legal principles. Proficiency with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management tools, and remote communication platforms is typically required. Excellent time management, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering precise legal work, collaborating with teams remotely, and meeting deadlines in a virtual legal environment.
What is the difference between Internship Remote Attorney vs Paralegal?
| Aspect | Internship Remote Attorney | Paralegal |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Law degree or in progress, bar exam eligibility | Associate degree or paralegal certificate |
| Work Environment | Remote legal research, drafting, assisting attorneys | Remote or office support, document preparation |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Law firms, corporate legal departments, government | Law firms, legal departments, courts |
| Common Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding internship roles for aspiring attorneys | Legal support roles, assisting attorneys |
Internship Remote Attorneys are law students or recent graduates gaining practical experience remotely, often working under supervision. Paralegals support attorneys with legal tasks but typically do not have a law degree. While both roles can be remote and involve legal research and document work, internships focus on training aspiring attorneys, whereas paralegals provide ongoing legal support.
What are the most commonly searched types of Remote Attorney jobs in Virginia?
The most popular types of Remote Attorney jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Internship Remote Attorney jobs?
Cities in Virginia with the most Internship Remote Attorney job openings:
2027 Summer Legal Intern
Richmond, VA • On-site, Remote
American Civil Liberties Union Foundation
$21/hr
Full-time, Part-time, Temporary, Internship
Posted 13 days ago
Job description
Position Overview:
At the ACLU of Virginia, law students gain exposure to a broad range of civil liberties and civil rights issues. Students will be fully embedded in the legal team and will actively work with staff attorneys to conduct legal research, write legal memoranda, and draft correspondence to potential clients in response to documented complaints of civil liberties and civil rights violations. Students may also assist ACLU attorneys in the development of cases for litigation, discovery, preparation of cases for trial, and submission of amicus briefs. Students may also have the opportunity to attend oral arguments or evidentiary hearings in state and federal court and participate in lobbying state and federal elected officials on civil rights and liberties matters.
The ACLU of Virginia's current legal docket includes a wide range of active matters, including several class action cases, in the areas of criminal legal reform, First Amendment, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, immigrants' rights, and other issues impacting Virginians. The ACLU of Virginia also employs an integrated advocacy model, where the organization's legal, policy, organizing, and communications departments work hand-in-hand to advance the affiliate's priorities.
Educational benefits of the internship include obtaining hands-on experience in applying constitutional theories and case law to legal problems and learning how to conduct factual investigation of complaints in support of litigation or other advocacy strategies. Students may also develop experience in non-litigation advocacy work.
The ACLU of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, bi- or multi-lingual (including Indigenous languages) speakers, multi-cultural individuals, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated or are currently under supervision, and other people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. All qualified applicants who share our vision and who have a desire to contribute to our mission are encouraged to apply. The ACLU of Virginia is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need an accommodation to apply, please email hr@acluva.org .
Requirements
Skills & Qualifications
Applicants must be a rising 2nd or 3rd-year law student during the duration of the internship period. Applicants should be able to articulate a commitment to work for civil rights, civil liberties, and the ideals of the ACLU. Qualified applicants are enthusiastic, creative, proactive, and detail-oriented; have excellent research, writing, communication, and interpersonal skills; and can work independently.
Compensation & Schedule
This Summer Legal Internship position is a full-time, 11-week position (averaging 400 hours over the course of the summer with one week of unpaid vacation the week of July 4th). ACLU of Virginia policy states that summer internships must be no less than 300 and no more than 400 hours, and part-time internships are not available during the summer.
ACLU-VA office hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday. Interns will be paid a rate of $21 per hour. Interns are encouraged to apply for academic credit and/or seek funds through public interest fellowships.
Interns must reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia or within 150 miles of our downtown Richmond headquarters and must be able to work in Richmond in accordance with ACLU-VA's remote work policy and must be able to attend other in-person events in various locations in Virginia as needed.
Application Process
Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the hiring cycle as decisions are made on a rolling basis, but by no later than 11:59pm October 7, 2026.
Applications from all interested students are welcome. Applications must be in PDF format and include the following:
(1) Cover Letter that includes:
a. A statement describing why you want to work at the ACLU of Virginia, and
b. Any particular civil rights or civil liberties issues that interest you and why.
(2) Resume
(3) Writing Sample. Note: the writing sample should be no more than 10 pages and should demonstrate the applicant's legal research and writing ability. The writing sample must reflect the applicant's own abilities and should not have been substantially edited by another person.
If problems are encountered with the Internship Application Form, please contact hr@acluva.org .
At the ACLU of Virginia, law students gain exposure to a broad range of civil liberties and civil rights issues. Students will be fully embedded in the legal team and will actively work with staff attorneys to conduct legal research, write legal memoranda, and draft correspondence to potential clients in response to documented complaints of civil liberties and civil rights violations. Students may also assist ACLU attorneys in the development of cases for litigation, discovery, preparation of cases for trial, and submission of amicus briefs. Students may also have the opportunity to attend oral arguments or evidentiary hearings in state and federal court and participate in lobbying state and federal elected officials on civil rights and liberties matters.
The ACLU of Virginia's current legal docket includes a wide range of active matters, including several class action cases, in the areas of criminal legal reform, First Amendment, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, immigrants' rights, and other issues impacting Virginians. The ACLU of Virginia also employs an integrated advocacy model, where the organization's legal, policy, organizing, and communications departments work hand-in-hand to advance the affiliate's priorities.
Educational benefits of the internship include obtaining hands-on experience in applying constitutional theories and case law to legal problems and learning how to conduct factual investigation of complaints in support of litigation or other advocacy strategies. Students may also develop experience in non-litigation advocacy work.
The ACLU of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, bi- or multi-lingual (including Indigenous languages) speakers, multi-cultural individuals, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated or are currently under supervision, and other people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. All qualified applicants who share our vision and who have a desire to contribute to our mission are encouraged to apply. The ACLU of Virginia is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need an accommodation to apply, please email hr@acluva.org .
Requirements
Skills & Qualifications
Applicants must be a rising 2nd or 3rd-year law student during the duration of the internship period. Applicants should be able to articulate a commitment to work for civil rights, civil liberties, and the ideals of the ACLU. Qualified applicants are enthusiastic, creative, proactive, and detail-oriented; have excellent research, writing, communication, and interpersonal skills; and can work independently.
Compensation & Schedule
This Summer Legal Internship position is a full-time, 11-week position (averaging 400 hours over the course of the summer with one week of unpaid vacation the week of July 4th). ACLU of Virginia policy states that summer internships must be no less than 300 and no more than 400 hours, and part-time internships are not available during the summer.
ACLU-VA office hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday. Interns will be paid a rate of $21 per hour. Interns are encouraged to apply for academic credit and/or seek funds through public interest fellowships.
Interns must reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia or within 150 miles of our downtown Richmond headquarters and must be able to work in Richmond in accordance with ACLU-VA's remote work policy and must be able to attend other in-person events in various locations in Virginia as needed.
Application Process
Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the hiring cycle as decisions are made on a rolling basis, but by no later than 11:59pm October 7, 2026.
Applications from all interested students are welcome. Applications must be in PDF format and include the following:
(1) Cover Letter that includes:
a. A statement describing why you want to work at the ACLU of Virginia, and
b. Any particular civil rights or civil liberties issues that interest you and why.
(2) Resume
(3) Writing Sample. Note: the writing sample should be no more than 10 pages and should demonstrate the applicant's legal research and writing ability. The writing sample must reflect the applicant's own abilities and should not have been substantially edited by another person.
If problems are encountered with the Internship Application Form, please contact hr@acluva.org .