TechTonic Justice, Inc. Legal Externship Remote · Intern Company website

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Governments, landlords, employers, and other powerful actors use artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms, and related technologies to make decisions about how low-income people work, live, learn, and survive. When people are hurt by AI decision-making, they have few places to turn. TechTonic Justice exists to change this. TechTonic Justice fights the ground-level harms AI causes low-income communities. We do this mainly by supporting local justice movements--legal aid organizations, frontline service providers, grassroots organizers, and affected communities--to identify and fight harmful uses of AI. We emphasize a multidimensional advocacy approach that blends litigation, community activation and organizing, public education, and narrative advocacy. We are based in Los Angeles and offer our services nationwide, with emphasis on the South and the West Coast.

Legal Extern

Fall 2026 Semester  

Part-Time, remote, with flexible start and end dates

About the Externship  

Our externship program offers an opportunity for up to two 2L or 3L law students interested in the intersection of Tech Justice and Poverty Law to develop research, writing, and advocacy skills under the supervision of seasoned attorneys.  The position is fully remote.

Extern Responsibilities

Externs will develop an understanding of how AI and automated decisionmaking systems impact the lives of low-income people and support TTJ’s multidimensional advocacy to prevent, mitigate, and repair AI harm. Under the supervision of TTJ’s legal team, an extern may do any of the following:

• Research and draft legal memoranda
• Draft public education materials
• Draft public records requests, review and analyze records
• Review and analyze existing and proposed AI legislation and AI policies  
• Contribute to drafting and editing TTJ public comments for proposed regulations or legislation
• Assist in responding to requests for technical assistance from ground-level advocates
• Participate in training sessions
• Support organizing and campaign work
• Collaborate with technologist staff to evaluate AI and automated systems
• Support litigation and legal advocacy

Extern Compensation

TTJ does not offer compensation for law student externs during the academic year. Our legal staff will provide the necessary supervision and complete administrative requirements to be approved as a field placement for academic credit. We will also provide supporting documentation for any third-party fellowships or stipends.

Qualifications 

• A passion for social justice and equity 
• Excitement about serving low-income and marginalized communities directly impacted by AI 
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Comfort working independently and in a collaborative remote start-up environment
• Knowledge of antipoverty, civil rights and/or technology justice issues is a plus
• Advocacy experience involving racial justice, economic justice, disability justice, organized labor, or grassroots organizing is a plus 
• Candidates who live in or have working experience in Arkansas or California are particularly encouraged to apply

Our Commitment to you: 

• Hands-on experience in nonprofit policy/advocacy within the tech justice and AI landscape 
• Supervision from experienced attorneys, and the opportunity to work on a multidisciplinary team that includes organizers, communications professionals, and a technologist  
• Letter of recommendation and potential references upon successful completion

Your Commitment to us: 

• 15 hrs per week with some flexibility
• Confidentiality 
• Access to a private, quiet workspace appropriate for virtual meetings 

Equity Statement 

We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from communities historically excluded from tech advocacy spaces. This includes Women, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from low-income or non-traditional educational backgrounds. We believe that diverse voices and lived experiences are essential to advancing tech justice. If you’re passionate about our mission but unsure if you meet all qualifications, we still encourage you to apply.

To Apply: 

Submit the following via our Careers page: a resume, writing sample, and cover letter describing your interest in TechTonic Justice. No AI-generated submissions please. The writing sample (redacted as needed) may be up to 5 pages, plus up to 1 page of explanatory context needed to orient the reader. Please submit the writing sample and explanation as a single combined document. 

Applications will be accepted until July 17, 2026. The first review of applications will occur starting July 1, and we will start the interview process for compelling candidates soon after. While we anticipate considering candidates who apply after this first review date, all candidates who do so should be aware of the risk that the externships may already be filled by the time they submit an application.     

Accommodations: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities during the application process and after hiring. Please write [email protected] to request any needed accommodations. 

 

Questions:  Please submit any questions to [email protected].