CERL’s Summer Internship Program
The application portal for CERL’s 2025 Summer Internship Program has closed. The next application cycle will open in spring of 2026.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
CERL’s nine-week summer internship program prepares law, graduate, and undergraduate students interested in the national security field by providing an ethics and rule of law foundation so that their future perspectives, leadership, and decision-making are always rooted in the rule of law. Our 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 today. 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 2025 internship begins June 2, 2025, and ends August 1, 2025.
CERL is a non-partisan institute that preserves and promotes ethics and the rule of law in national security, democratic governance, conflict, and war. CERL draws from the study of law, philosophy, and ethics and unites scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to probe critical issues through the lens of ethics and the rule of law. Using the tools of interdisciplinary engagement and open dialogue, CERL experts answer the hard questions that arise when the rule of law is threatened or violated, and provides guidance that helps safeguard U.S. democracy. Read more about CERL’s mission.
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
From CERL’s 2024 Summer Interns…
While interning at CERL, I had the opportunity to conduct in-depth research regarding several domestic legal issues that greatly concern the United States’ national security. Further developing my research skills regarding various constitutional and statutory interpretations has only helped solidify my career goals to practice appellate litigation. Also, I feel incredibly fortunate to have bonded with my cohort and CERL staff, making lifelong friends.
—Alexandra Herrera, Yale University, Master of the Arts in History
“During my summer internship, I was amazed by the incredible diversity of people I worked with and learned from. The mentors and guest speakers were outstanding, and the multidisciplinary approach of CERL made the experience truly enriching. I gained invaluable skills, knowledge, and connections that will greatly benefit my future.”
—Shai Dromy, Penn Carey Law, Master in Law
“CERL provided me with the opportunity to engage in important research and investigations aimed at mitigating national security risks for our country. The center connected us with leading experts and high-ranking officials who could best instruct our projects. CERL allowed me to meet and work with some of the most inspired, enthusiastic, and dedicated people, from whom I have learned an enormous amount.”
—Jesse Ray Sheps, Yale University, Bachelor of Arts
“I thoroughly enjoyed working with a diverse intern team, researching critical and timely national security issues, and meeting esteemed professionals in the field. I learned an incredible amount throughout the summer, both from my projects’ content and from the people who surrounded me.”
—Christina O’Farrell, University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Arts