Summer Internship
CERL’s Summer Internship Program
The Summer Internship Program prepares professional and graduate level students interested in the national security field by providing an ethics and rule of law foundation so that future perspectives, leadership, and decision-making are always rooted in the rule of law. Our interns help further CERL’s mission as well through research, writing, and conference planning, and gain valuable insights through conversations with national security experts on the critical and cutting-edge problems facing our nation today.
CERL interns work in teams under the supervision of CERL’s leadership and have the opportunity to:
- Publish original works for CERL’s blog, The Rule of Law Post
- Research critical ethical and rule of law issues affecting the United States today
- Past research topics included the influence of dark money, disinformation and cyber-attacks on democratic elections, kinetic and non-kinetic grey zone conflicts, the privatization of the military, the weaponization of outer space, and using law to fight terror.
- Assist in all aspects of planning CERL’s conferences, workshops, and public programs
- Past events include Democracy in the Crosshairs: Cyber Interference, Dark Money and Foreign Influence, Protecting Democracy: Modernizing the Foreign Agents Registration Act, and Challenging the Grey Zone: The Changing Character of Warfare and the Application of International Law
- Contribute to CERL’s academic publications
- Help prepare policy briefings and media appearances by CERL staff and board members
- Interact with leading academics and practitioners, including CERL Executive Board members, in the national security field
Law students and graduate students in philosophy, political science, international relations, and other related fields who are interested in examining the intersection of rule of law values, applied ethics, and national security are encouraged to apply. CERL will accept a limited number of undergraduates on a non-remunerated basis. Applicants are encouraged to seek funding from their home institution or from outside sources; stipends will be offered on a limited basis for students who are unable to obtain funding. If accepted into the program, international students are responsible for securing the proper work visas.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV or resume, transcript, writing sample, and names and contact information of two referees. Applications will be evaluated and offers will be made on a rolling basis. The application deadline is January 31, 2020. Please address any inquiries about CERL’s 2020 Summer Internship Program to cerl@law.upenn.edu.