Legal Advocacy Internship

Legal Advocacy Internship ( Summer or Fall  Semester)
Schedule: Minimum 10 hours/week
Location: Remote or In-Office (depending on location)
Compensation: Unpaid (school credit may apply; highly encourage student to see funding through their school)

To Apply:Please send your resume and a brief cover letter answering this prompt: If you had the power to redesign the criminal justice system from the ground up, what would be your priorities? 

More consideration is placed on the cover letter than any experience on your resume. So not having any work experience is fine. 

About ROOT Legal:

ROOT (Reclaiming Our Options Together)  Legal is a nonprofit legal and advocacy organization committed to building more just and effective responses to harm—ones that are rooted in community, accountability, and equity. We work alongside individuals impacted by the criminal legal system, particularly those labeled as “victims,” to expand access to healing and support outside of traditional punitive structures. Our approach questions the over reliance on punishment and seeks to explore ways  justice can be delivered in ways that address the root causes of harm.

ROOT Legal welcomes  students who are curious, motivated, and interested in learning how legal advocacy, community work, and policy change can work together to transform outdated systems and support meaningful change.

Internship Overview:

As a Legal Advocacy Intern, you will support programs, research, outreach, and fundraising efforts. This role offers students a unique opportunity to explore how nonprofits and legal advocates can respond to harm in ways that move beyond punishment toward long-term community wellness and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on policies and programs related to harm, healing, and public safety.
• Track legislation impacting survivors, communities, and individuals navigating the legal system.
• Support public outreach and help coordinate events that center community voices.
• Assist with social media content that raises awareness and challenges common narratives around justice and safety.
• Research funding opportunities and assist with grant writing and donor engagement.
• Contribute to written materials that reflect ROOT Legal’s mission and community-centered values.

Ideal Candidates:

• Passionate about equity, community work, and rethinking how justice is defined.
• Strong writers and researchers, eager to explore alternatives to traditional legal responses.
• Students studying law, political science, sociology, social work, public policy, or related fields.
• Organized, thoughtful, and able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Comfortable engaging with sensitive topics and approaching them with care and nuance.
• Familiarity with social media, Canva, or content creation is a plus—but not required.
• Students who are grounded in—or open to learning about—abolitionist values and  not reinforce carceral frameworks.

Why Join ROOT Legal?

This internship is an opportunity to develop professional skills while contributing to a growing organization working to shift how society responds to harm. You’ll be part of a team that values reflection, systemic thinking, and community leadership. Whether you're considering a future in public interest law, advocacy, or community organizing, ROOT Legal offers a space to learn, grow, and help shape a more compassionate and effective approach to justice.