Legal Intern - Center for Constitutional Studies

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

About the Role

This paid, in-person internship in Washington, DC (25–40 hours per week over 12 weeks) joins Cato’s Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies (CCS), working closely with Thomas A. Berry (Director and editor in chief of the Cato Supreme Court Review). You’ll support appellate-focused work on core constitutional issues by reviewing cert petitions, assessing the likelihood of success, and contributing to amicus strategy and drafting.

Day to day, you will synthesize case law and scholarship, prepare concise bench-style memos, ensure Bluebook citations meet publication standards, and report on Hill briefings and public programs. 

The role emphasizes accurate legal analysis, clear writing, and principled argument in support of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace; you may also engage with CCS publications such as the Cato Supreme Court Review and select amicus projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted literature and case-law reviews
• Draft concise research memos and assist with amicus/essay drafting
• Bluebook and cite-check manuscripts to publication standards
• Track and summarize Supreme Court and appellate developments (cert petitions, circuit splits)
• Attend and report on Hill briefings, panels, and conferences

Qualifications

• JD or JD-candidate (required).
• Excellent legal research and writing with clear structure and rigorous synthesis of cases and statutes.
• Mastery of Bluebook citation and meticulous cite-checking/source verification.
• Familiarity with US constitutional law and the classical-liberal legal tradition (originalism/textualism); sound judgment and discretion under deadlines. 
• Working knowledge of Supreme Court/appellate practice (certiorari, merits briefing, circuit splits; docket tracking).
• Proficiency with Westlaw, Lexis, HeinOnline, and basic legislative/administrative-history methods.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.