Summer 2026 Judicial Intern Opportunity Program 

The mission of the Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) is to eliminate bias and enhance diversity in the legal profession by creating an opportunity for law students who demonstrate a commitment to advancing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to obtain paid judicial internships that support their efforts and provide valuable experience, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging in the legal profession.

Internships are available in several locations in California, Illinois, and Texas. In addition, we offer internships in the following metropolitan areas: Phoenix, AZ; Washington, D.C.; Miami, FL; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; and Seattle, WA.

Students may indicate legal and geographic preferences on their applications but may not request specific judges or courts. Interns should work full-time (32 hours/week) for a minimum of six weeks to qualify for the program award. Internships for students with a focus on intellectual property law will be offered in several locations. These specialized spots are limited, and any student applying with a request for specialization will also be considered for general litigation internships. 

Students may only participate in the Judicial Intern Opportunity Program once. If you have interned with the program before, you may not apply again. 

We guarantee screening interviews to the first 500 applicants. Applicants applying after the first 500 are not guaranteed a screening interview. We will screen students and consider late applicants based on program placement needs.

For questions, email Gail Howard, Program Director, at gail.howard@americanbar.org.