TechFreedom is seeking a part-time remote legal intern to work on cutting-edge issues at the intersection of First Amendment law and technology policy. The Free Speech & Tech Legal Intern will work directly with TechFreedom’s Free Speech Counsel and other TechFreedom experts to defend the First Amendment, analyze novel legal questions, and preserve a free, open Internet. Assignments will cover a wide range of issues, including (but not limited to) artificial intelligence, Internet and social media regulation, jawboning and other government interference with speech, child protection, and intermediary liability.

About TechFreedom

TechFreedom is a nonpartisan tech policy think tank based in Washington, D.C. As dynamists, we embrace a world of continuous invention, discovery, and entrepreneurship that leverages technology to advance the human condition. And we believe that the preservation of digital civil liberties is a fundamental prerequisite to a thriving, innovative, and free society. TechFreedom provides in-depth legal analysis and insight to policymakers, courts, the media, and the general public to help shape technology policy and law in a way that fosters innovation, respects individual rights, and upholds the freedom of digital enterprise. Our alumni have gone on to work at prominent law firms, federal agencies, trade associations, civil society groups, tech companies, and in legislative offices.

Internship Duties

The Free Speech & Tech Legal Intern will work primarily with TechFreedom’s Free Speech Counsel (assignments from other experts will be available too, as time permits) on various high-profile First Amendment issues confronting legislators, regulators, and the courts. The successful candidate will gain an in-depth understanding of substantive issues as well as the policy-making process, and will have the opportunity to network with subject-matter experts, practicing attorneys, legislative staff, and tech industry professionals. This internship will also give an enterprising candidate the opportunity to pursue research and writing projects on issues of interest to them, with support, guidance, and feedback from experts in the field. 

Intern duties will include:

  • Researching key legal and policy issues and writing memoranda
  • Assisting in drafting scholarly writing, appellate briefs, legislative testimony, regulatory comments, and op-eds
  • Tracking legislation and litigation relating to free speech and technology policy
  • Authoring blog posts or op-eds on topics of interest
  • Attending civil society and industry events, seminars, and networking events (depending on the successful candidate’s location and availability)
  • Participating in working groups and strategy meetings with TechFreedom’s Free Speech Counsel


Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

  • Be a rising 2L/3L with excellent academic credentials, a strong work ethic, and intellectual curiosity
  • Have a demonstrated interest in free speech and/or technology policy issues
  • Have some familiarity with First Amendment law (strongly preferred but not required)
  • Be an excellent legal researcher and writer, with strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Have a creative approach to problem-solving
  • Be able to multitask and work under the occasional tight deadline
  • Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Enjoy working in a collaborative and passionate mission-based environment


How to Apply

The internship is remote, and the time commitment is flexible. Interns are compensated at $20/hour. 

Students interested in the Free Speech & Tech Legal Internship should email Ari Cohn <acohn@techfreedom.org> and Jared Smith <jsmith@techfreedom.org> with the subject line “First Amendment & Tech Legal Internship.” Applicants should provide their resume, cover letter, transcript (unofficial is OK), and at least one legal writing sample (two preferred) of substantial length (5-10 pages).

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