Public Affairs Intern (Spring 2026)

Position: Public Affairs Intern – Summer 2026

Location: Washington, D.C. 20006

Department: Office of Government Relations & Public Affairs (GRPA)

Employment Status: Full-Time | Unpaid | Hybrid | DC-Metro Area Only

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS (GRPA)

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), established by Congress in 1974, is the nation’s largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income individuals. We currently support 130 nonprofit legal aid organizations throughout the nation. LSC’s mission is to promote equal access to justice and provide grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans.

The Office of Government Relations & Public Affairs (GRPA) leads LSC’s communication with Congress, the Executive Branch, the media, and the public. GRPA works at the intersection of policy, storytelling, and advocacy, ensuring that LSC’s mission is understood, supported, and championed nationwide.

This position is based in Washington, DC, and will require working from an office in DC in accordance with LSC’s hybrid work model. The successful candidate must live in the DC metropolitan area for the duration of the internship.

WHY JOIN US?

Please note: Due to the current funding environment and broader political shifts impacting our resources, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to pause all paid internships until further notice.

However, we remain deeply committed to supporting emerging professionals through unpaid, educational internships that deliver real-world experience, professional development, and connections in the legal and nonprofit sectors. If applicable, we’re happy to provide documentation to support academic credit.

Although this internship is unpaid, here’s what you'll gain:

• Hands-on experience in communications, public affairs, and messaging
• Opportunities to write, edit, and contribute to national outreach efforts
• Valuable connections within the legal and nonprofit policy space
• Mentorship and personalized feedback from experienced public affairs professionals
• A chance to make an impact in the pursuit of justice and equity

The internship is expected to run from June through August 2026, with interns working up to 37.5 hours per week on either part-time or full-time basis.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN & DO:

As a Public Affairs Intern, you will experience the dynamic world of nonprofit communications and government engagement. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of how storytelling and advocacy advance a mission.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Write and edit materials for LSC events, campaigns, and outreach
2. Draft press releases and media advisories
3. Monitor and compile media coverage related to LSC and civil legal aid
4. Support media list development and contact management
5. Contribute to LSC’s social media presence and content creation
6. Assist with video editing, website updates, and basic graphic design (if skilled)

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

We are accepting applications from current undergraduate, graduate, and law students, as well as recent graduates of post-secondary institutions.

The ideal applicant must be:

• Independent, proactive, and eager to learn
• Strong writers with a clear and professional communication style
• Interested in government, communications, or public relations and service
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Familiar with social media platforms and content strategies
• Bonus: if you’re familiar with Final Cut Pro X, Drupal, or basic design tools!

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply, visit www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/careers. Please submit:

• A current résumé
• A cover letter explaining your interest in this internship and how your goals align with LSC’s mission

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. If you need accommodations during the application process, email jobapplicant@lsc.gov.

OUR COMMITMENT:

We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels a sense of connection and purpose. We believe our differences drive excellence, and we strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole self to work. Together, we are building a community grounded in openness and trust—one that provides opportunities for all team members to grow, thrive, and contribute toward advancing LSC's mission.

LSC is an equal opportunity employer.