Career Opportunity: Spring 2025 Law & Policy Externship
We're looking for up to two externs to work with our Democracy team on policy advocacy, research, and impact litigation.
About Dēmos
Dēmos is a non-profit public policy organization working to build a just, inclusive multiracial democracy and economy. We build power with and for Black and brown communities through our strategic partnerships with state-based and grassroots organizations.
On the eve of the organization’s 25th anniversary, we are celebrating a successful legacy that institutionalized the inherent connection between our democracy and economy. From campaign finance reform to credit card debt to student debt, Dēmos has built campaigns and won structural reform that has changed the way communities wield civic, political, and economic power in this country.
Over the next three years, we will work to realize the next iteration of Dēmos' legacy by transforming our strategies and organizational structure to unapologetically build power with and for Black and brown communities. As a national public policy institution, we see our role as the nexus between federal and state strategies, leveraging our policy, research, and narrative expertise to uplift and enhance the insights and experience of our state-based and grassroots partners, advancing comprehensive campaigns to realize the promise of a just, inclusive multiracial democracy and economy.
Law & Policy Externships
Dēmos is accepting applications for law & policy externships for Spring 2025. We will select up to two externs to work with the Democracy team on policy advocacy, research, and impact litigation. Externs can expect to receive assignments on issue areas including immigrant justice, language access, direct democracy, penal disenfranchisement, voter registration, court reform, and money in politics.
The extern’s responsibilities will include some or all of the following, depending on need and timing of projects: conducting legal, social science, and policy research; drafting memos; conducting literature reviews; compiling source support; conducting exploratory research in advance of, or in contemplation of, litigation; and drafting portions of policy reports and similar products.
This externship provides a unique opportunity to learn about policy and lawyering at a movement-oriented think tank. Dēmos’s Democracy team has meaningful partnerships with state and local community organizations and works closely with these organizations to shape policy tools and recommendations. While the Dēmos Democracy team is fully remote, we have a strong culture of communication and check-ins and provide meaningful opportunities to shadow and learn from staff.
Requirements
We seek highly motivated candidates with a passion for deepening their contribution to racial justice work. Background and expertise in voting rights, racial equity, and/or data science is a strong plus but is not required.
Applicants must have completed at least one year of law school and must receive funding or class credit for the externship through their school.
Applicants must be able to work 10-15 hours per week.
Applicants must be able to work remotely. Externs may have a few opportunities to meet staff if they are based in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, or Atlanta, but they will predominantly be working remotely.
How to Apply
Send a thoughtful cover letter, résumé, and writing sample (of no more than 10 pages) to José Gonzalez at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. No phone calls, please.
Demos is an Equal Opportunity Employer: People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.
We are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.
