CERL’s Summer Internship Program
CERL’s 2027 Summer Internship Program application portal will open in spring 2027.
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.
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
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.
From CERL’s 2026 Summer Interns…
Top row left to right: Josey Aron, Mia-Lucia Barashenkov, Julia Bochkarev, Natalie Davidson; Second row left to right: Noah Gerlach, Mariam Kakhabrishvili, Isabella Lok, Erica Maltsev; Third row left to right: Cate McGowan, Esin Nizamoglu, Quinton O’Connor, David Pritchard; Bottom row left to right: Brendan Turowski, Megan Vidovich, Sarah Well, Lillian Weng
“CERL’s internship program gave me the opportunity to research a number of emerging legal and ethical questions related to everything from artificial intelligence to transgender soldiers. Working alongside a cohort with such diverse academic backgrounds made the experience interdisciplinary in a way I have not seen elsewhere.” —Josey Aron, University of Alabama, Master of Arts in Philosophy Program (graduated)
“As an undergraduate, the opportunity to work alongside J.D. and master’s students on one of the most important and pressing topics of our generation, artificial intelligence, made this an incredible way to begin my career. The research, analytical, public speaking, and teamwork skills I developed at CERL, along with the chance to learn from accomplished guest speakers and spend an entire summer exploring a complex topic in depth, are experiences and skills that I will carry with me throughout my career.”—Julia Bochkarev, University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Arts Program
“During my internship with CERL, I worked on some of the litigation that the center is currently involved with. It was great to get hands-on experience with legal writing outside of a classroom environment and meet people with the same interests as me!”—Natalie Davidson, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Juris Doctor Program
“I loved the opportunity to strengthen my legal research and writing skills while working on real-world cases as part of a litigation team, which made the experience both engaging and rewarding. The guest speakers were a highlight because we had the chance to learn from and connect with professionals in the national security field. The staff was also incredibly supportive, and getting to work with fellow CERL interns from different schools and backgrounds made the experience even more enjoyable.”— Mariam Kakhabrishvili, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Juris Doctor Program
“I’m grateful to CERL for bringing together interns with a shared interest in national security. It was great getting to work with people from different backgrounds, learn[ing] from each other, and becom[ing] friends along the way.”—Isabella Lok, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Juris Doctor Program
“I had an unforgettable summer with CERL. During my internship, I had the opportunity to work with law students and master’s students on current issues revolving around international law, national security, and the law of armed conflict. I was able to make lasting connections with my cohort while expanding my knowledge and understanding of the intersection between international relations and the field of law.”—Erica Maltsev, University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Arts Program
“At CERL, I had the opportunity to explore a broad set of intellectually-enriching and pressing questions at the intersection of law and national security. Most importantly, my experience at CERL helped me realize how much I enjoy approaching these questions through a legal lens and solidified my interest in pursuing a career in law. I am especially grateful for the mentorship, intellectual freedom, and community I found at CERL.”—Esin Nizamoglu, Yale University, Master of Arts Program
“CERL provided me with the opportunity to explore important and often under-addressed topics in the national security law space. Throughout the course of the internship, I was able to strengthen my legal research and writing skills with the support of my fellow interns and the CERL staff.”— Quinton O’Connor, University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Juris Doctor Program
“My internship at CERL gave me the opportunity to engage with complex questions at the intersection of law, technology, and national security while working alongside an exceptional group of scholars and fellow interns. It’s an experience that will continue to shape my legal education and future career.”—Brendan Turowski, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Juris Doctor Program
“At CERL, I conducted legal research and tracked executive actions to analyze their impact on U.S. elections. Given the timeliness of this topic ahead of the 2026 midterms, the work offered valuable insight into how to navigate a fast-moving news cycle.” —Megan Vidovich, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, Master of International Affairs Program
“Through CERL, I had the privilege of conducting legal research alongside students from various disciplines, guided by leading academics, military professionals, and legal practitioners who place ethics and the rule of law at the center of national security. The program’s expert lectures deepened my understanding of the forces reshaping warfare and democratic institutions, the public service careers dedicated to defending their integrity, and my professional direction within that landscape.”—Sarah Well, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Juris Doctor Program