CERL is now accepting applications for its 2026 Summer Internship Program!
The deadline to apply is April 15, 2026. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early as space is limited.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The nine-week program equips professional and graduate-level students interested in the national security field with an ethics and rule of law foundation so that their future perspectives, leadership, and decision-making are rooted in the rule of law. Interns help further CERL’s mission through research, writing, and conference planning, and gain valuable insights through conversations with national security experts on the critical issues facing our nation. Former CERL interns have gone on to positions in the government including in the Department of Justice, Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, and Space Force. The internship begins June 1, 2026, and ends July 31, 2026.
CERL interns work in teams under the supervision of CERL’s leadership and have the opportunity to:
- Research critical ethical and rule of law issues affecting the United States today
- Help plan CERL’s conferences, workshops, and public programs
- Publish original works for CERL’s blog, The Rule of Law Post
- Help prepare CERL policy briefings and contribute to CERL academic publications
- Interact with leading academics and practitioners in the national security field and CERL Executive Board members
Law students (JD or LLM) and graduate students in philosophy, political science, international relations, communications, and other related fields who are interested in examining the intersection of rule of law values, applied ethics, and national security are encouraged to apply.
FUNDING AND WORK VISAS
Applicants are encouraged to seek funding from their home institution or from outside sources; stipends will be offered on a limited basis for students who are unable to obtain funding. If accepted into the program, international students are responsible for securing the proper work visas.
TO APPLY
Applicants should complete the application form and submit a cover letter, CV or resume, transcript, and writing sample to [email protected].
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the summer internship page on CERL’s website. Please address any inquiries about CERL’s 2026 Summer Internship Program to [email protected]