Summer 2026 Internship, Strategic Democracy Initiatives - Rule of Law Project at The German Marshall Fund of the United States – Washington, District of Columbia

GMF’s Strategic Democracy Initiatives (SDI) is seeking a full-time program trainee for the period from June 2026 through August 2026 to support the Rule of Law Project, a new GMF initiative bringing judges, lawyers, and civic leaders together with international peers to defend judicial independence. The trainee will assist with convening Ideas Labs, coordinating international mentorship teams, and supporting the development of rule of law communications and actions across multiple U.S. regions.

Trainees will benefit from exposure to GMF’s experts and network, and will gain valuable organizational, analytical, and writing experience. The traineeship will consist of both in-person and remote work. Applicants who are current JD candidates preferred, but not required.

The position includes two trainee openings. Trainees will be compensated at a rate of $17.95 per hour with a flexible time commitment of 35 hours per week. Trainees are offered an ideal opportunity to acquire substantive professional experience for those interested in a career in public policy or international affairs.

Potential Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Assist with planning and logistics for Ideas Labs, including coordination with judges, bar associations, law schools, legal organizations, and civic partners across pilot regions
• Support research and drafting of practice briefs on international best practices for defending judicial independence
• Develop research related to ethical requirements and constraints for lawyers and judges
• Provide written analysis on US rule of law and international rule of law backsliding
• Help develop communications and messaging research and guidance for legal and civic actors
• Coordinate with international mentorship teams and support virtual sessions and in-person visits
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Strong analytic, writing, and speaking skills in English
• Excellent organizational skills and attentiveness to detail, experience with program management or event planning preferred
• Knowledge of or demonstrable interest in judicial independence, rule of law, constitutional law, or civic engagement
• Demonstrable research skills, preferably with legal research experience or coursework in constitutional law, judicial ethics, or comparative law
• Previous experience in a think tank, foundation, NGO, government body, media outlet, or similar organization preferred but not required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Comfortable multi-tasking and working independently
• Current JD candidates preferred

Start and Length of Traineeship:

• Preferred start and end: June 2026-August 2026
• Preferred time commitment: 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday between 9 AM to 5 PM (EST preferred)

Due to a high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

GMF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiry to hr@gmfus.org