FFRF seeks interns year round to assist its staff in daily operations. Positions are based in Madison, Wisconsin, where FFRF is headquartered. All available internships are writing intensive internships. Thus, excellent writing, communication and research skills are required.
Law Student Internships
An FFRF law student intern has the opportunity to research caselaw, draft letters of complaint to state agencies and officials, and learn about First Amendment law in practice. Interns start the summer by attending informational sessions where they learn the ins and outs of religion and the First Amendment. Each intern is then paired up with a litigation and intake attorney to closely work with throughout the summer. By the end of the summer, FFRF interns will have a writing sample, hands-on experience, and a deeper understanding of church/state separation.
This internship has an opportunity for funding.
FFRF considers diversity an asset and encourages students of all race, gender, ethnicity, religious background, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and ability to apply.
Qualifications:
- A strong interest in legal research and writing
- Ability to work independently and reliably
- The initiative to see projects through to completion
- Open minded and willing to work with all types of people
- Currently enrolled in law school
Requirements:
Interns are expected to work at FFRF’s headquarters in Madison, WI. Summer internships start at the end of May and run until mid August. A full-time commitment of 40 hours per week is required. This is a hybrid position with both remote and in-person days.
How to Apply:
Email a cover letter, resume, copy of law school transcripts (unofficial is fine) and writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) to Intern Coordinator Greta Martens at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Interviews are also done in February through the Wisconsin Public Interest Interview Program and the National Public Law School Alliance interview program.
Deadlines:
Summer: Applications closed for 2024. Applications for 2025 will be considered starting in January 2025.
Fall and Spring: Open until filled. Spots open for Fall 2024.
Externships:
Law students may also seek an externship position with FFRF. Contact Intern Coordinator Greta Martens at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information on that opportunity.
Undergraduate Internships - Legal
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is looking for undergraduate students who are interested in legal work and state/church separation. This internship is designed to give current or recently graduated college students the opportunity to learn more about constitutional law and state/church separation issues. Students will experience most aspects of our legal department and work closely with attorneys and legal assistants.
FFRF considers diversity an asset and encourages students of all races, genders, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, age, and abilities to apply.
Qualifications:
- Strong reading and writing skills
- Ability to work independently and reliably
- An interest in legal issues
- Open minded and willing to work with all types of people
Interns are expected to work at FFRF’s headquarters in Madison, WI. Summer hour requirements are somewhat flexible, however, a consistent schedule should be set and maintained. This is a hybrid position with options for both remote and in-person days.
How to Apply:
Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) to Intern Coordinator Greta Martens at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Subject line: LEGAL INTERNSHIP)
Deadlines:
Summer: No longer accepting applications for Summer 2024. Summer 2025 applications will be considered starting in January 2025.
Fall and Spring: Open until filled. Spots open for Fall 2024.
Undergraduate Internships - Editorial
Undergraduate editorial interns assist our Communications Department. Potential projects include assisting the Editor of FFRF's newspaper, Freethought Today, with drafting and editing; compiling research for and drafting Freethought of the Day quotes; assisting with publicizing FFRF's nonlitigation victories; and other administrative tasks as necessary.
How to Apply:
Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) to Director of Operations Lisa Strand This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (Subject line: COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP)
Deadlines:
Summer: Apply by February 28th
Preference for summer intern positions is given to Sarah Lawrence College students; others please inquire before applying.
Fall and Spring: Occasional openings; email for information