Applications open: Fall ’23; Winter, Spring, & Summer ’24

The New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA) defends core constitutional freedoms from encroachment and abuse by the government. Founded by constitutional scholar Philip Hamburger, NCLA deploys a combination of public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and executives. Our goal is to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans’ fundamental rights.

Come join the movement!

If you want to practice constitutional law, then join a firm where every single case is a constitutional law case. Whether we file suit against an unelected and unaccountable federal agency, or a tyrannical governor with illusions of grandeur, our law clerks work side-by-side with our attorneys, gaining real-world experience on their way to becoming effective and fulfilled advocates for liberty.

With offices in the heart of D.C., NCLA offers a 10-week summer program that runs from May through August, with flexibility for start and end dates as necessary. Programs in other semesters vary in their details, with opportunities for part-time and remote clerkships available. Submit an application for more information.

Because NCLA is committed to constitutional principles, we seek applicants who are demonstrably committed to the principles of due process, regulatory fairness, and civil liberty. Our clerks enrich their approach to the law with creative, pragmatic, and collaborative thinking to best serve our clients and our principled mission.

Our clerkship program offers exciting prospects to fortify your career including:

● Gaining Hands-on Litigation Experience: Learn the ropes and sharpen your skills by researching complex and nuanced legal issues, drafting well-reasoned and articulate legal documents, and participating in case development with our experienced advocates;

● Building Your Network: Meet influencers in the constitutional and administrative legal fields including renowned attorneys, judges, and legal scholars;

● Advancing Our Movement: Join other members of our movement for candid discussions about the hot button constitutional issues NCLA tackles during our Lunch & Law Speaker Series;

● Igniting Your Career Path: Work with our team to improve your professional profile and better position yourself for the future with highly valued, real-world work experience. As part of our
team, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your prospects with professional writing samples, esteemed references, and resume review opportunities.

Former NCLA clerks have gone to find great success after their time with us, including clerkships in the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and, Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeal, as well as the Federal Court of Claims, and District Courts for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Southern District of New York, and others.

Want to know more? Find out what past NCLA clerks had to say about the program!