Legal Internship Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

The Position

The National Women's Law Center (NWLC) seeks a law student intern for fall 2026 to support the work of the Reproductive Rights and Health team, focusing on promoting reproductive rights and access to comprehensive, affordable health care, including abortion and birth control, via litigation and state and federal policy advocacy.  

Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program and eligible for academic credit. Hours and dates worked may vary depending on school requirements. Commitment of 12 to 15 hours (or more) per week preferred. This work may be done remotely, hybrid, or in-person.  

The Organization

The National Women's Law Center fights for gender justice - in the courts, in public policy, and in our society - 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 - especially women of color, LGBTQ+ 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

The intern will support the RRH team's work by: 

• Providing legal and factual research and analysis; 

• Tracking state and federal legislation and litigation on core and emerging issues; 

• Cite checking and bluebooking documents; 

• Drafting memos, talking points, testimony, blogs, factsheets, and other written materials; 

• Supporting the preparation of briefs, pleadings, legislative toolkits, and comments on proposed federal agency regulations; 

• Participating in litigation strategy calls, coalition meetings, policy briefings, and events; 

• Attending administrative, congressional, and court proceedings; and 

• Miscellaneous other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a JD program and ability to receive academic credit for the internship/externship; 

• Strong research and writing skills, including excellent analytical, oral, and written communications skills; 

• Experience or interest working on gender justice issues with an intersectional lens; 

• Experience or interest in an advocacy, litigation, or policymaking environment; 

• Demonstrated experience and judgment working both collaboratively and independently; and 

• Flexibility, creativity, and initiative along with excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills. 

Key Relations

The intern will report to a Senior Counsel on the RRH team as primary supervisor, but will receive assignments from various members of the RRH team. The intern may collaborate with other teams and individuals across the law center, including the Campaigns and Communications Team. 

Compensation & Benefits

This internship is unpaid, but the Center will work with the intern to secure academic credit. A stipend of $175 per month, prorated, will be provided if allowed by the student's school. This position is not eligible for benefits.  

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: 

• A resume; 

• A cover letter explaining your interest in this internship; 

• A short writing sample (4 - 8 pages); and 

• A current law school transcript. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but applications received after TWO WEEKS FROM POST DATE may not be reviewed. 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's Law Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and values 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's mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don't check all the boxes, please apply. We'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.