2026 Summer Law Clerk

 We will begin reviewing applications on 11/3/2025 and will review applications received after that date on a rolling basis, consistent with NALP guidelines, until the position is filled.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Public Rights Project (PRP) is a public interest legal nonprofit, headquartered in Oakland, with a remote team based throughout the United States. Our mission is to help local government officials fight for civil rights.

Since its founding in 2017, PRP has litigated in more than 100 cases (either as a party or amicus), trained 131 prosecutors and government lawyers in 24 states, built a partner network of over 670 government offices, elected officials, and community-based organizations in 43 states, secured court victories on police accountability, abortion, immigrant, worker, and voting rights, and helped to recover over $46 million in relief for marginalized people. Learn more about our work.

PRP supports local government partners in the face of an onslaught of federal and state abuses of power. We provide direct representation, legal analysis, research, training, and community partnerships to help local governments develop strategies that protect their residents’ civil rights. 

JOB SUMMARY

Public Rights Project seeks to hire Summer 2026 Law Clerks to join our team. This is a paid remote internship for first and second year law students lasting 8-10 weeks. A summer Law Clerk position with PRP would be ideal for law students interested in cutting-edge impact litigation, public service, and creative strategies to protect civil rights. Law Clerks will support litigation and other advocacy efforts through legal research and writing, factual development, and litigation and regulation tracking. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with PRP lawyers on different facets federal and state court litigation;
• Assist PRP lawyers and co-counsel in preparing for arguments, hearings, and/or other court appearances;
• Conduct factual and legal research and provide guidance and analysis of laws across a range of jurisdictions; 
• Draft and edit analytic and persuasive written work product, including memoranda, amicus briefs, pleadings, and other legal filings; 
• Monitor noteworthy legal developments and case law and participate in discussions where PRP considers potential litigation or amicus work;
• Meet with government and non-government stakeholders; 
• Support legal organizing and outreach efforts;
• Synthesize input and feedback from internal and external stakeholders; and
• Contribute to an innovative, inclusive, and supportive group of advocates. 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Completion of at least one year of law school, with a preference for candidates who will have completed two years of law school by summer 2026.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent research and writing skills
• Attention to detail
• Passion for social justice and public service lawyering 
• Curiosity about the role of government to promote social change
• Able to manage and prioritize multiple projects and drive forward work under tight deadlines
• Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds 
• Experience or eagerness to work in a nonprofit, mission-driven, or advocacy organization
• Experience or eagerness to work for or with local governments
• Time Commitment: Summer Law Clerks must be able to work 40 hours per week for 8-10 weeks

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

Law Clerks will report directly to a Legal Fellow and will have opportunities to work with the Litigation Team Managing Attorney, other PRP attorneys, multiple cities and states across the country, and community and nonprofit partners. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Requires sitting, talking and listening for up to 8 hours per day. Certain situations may require lifting items up to 20 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Fully remote organization and team. This role may require travel to PRP events or meetings. We currently have remote staff in Oakland, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon), and Washington, DC, as well as other cities.

COMPENSATION

Public Rights Project has funding available to pay Summer Law Clerks at a rate of $20/hour. 

PRP HIRING COMMITMENT:  

PRP is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. A diverse and inclusive workplace, both at PRP and within the government offices we serve, is a key ingredient for achieving our mission of building equitable enforcement capacity within state and local government. 

We aim to assemble a team that reflects the world we live in and the communities we serve with respect to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and immigration status. People with personal or family experience with the type of harms we seek to combat, including wage theft, predatory lending, fraud, discrimination, and environmental degradation are particularly encouraged to apply.