Office of the General Counsel [For-Credit] Externship - Summer 2026
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at National Public Radio (NPR) is offering a for-credit externship for law students during the Summer of 2026. NPR is a mission-driven multimedia organization that produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The OGC provides high-quality, cost-efficient legal services to NPR's various divisions, supporting areas such as commercial and contract law, nonprofit tax, governance, technology, intellectual property, regulatory matters, First Amendment issues, and employment and labor law.
Externs will work from May 15th to September 15th, 2026, with potential flexibility depending on school requirements. The program offers substantive opportunities to gain experience and learn as members of the OGC, including contract review and drafting, legal research, training, and other projects reflective of the role of in-house attorneys at NPR. Externs will also have opportunities to participate in client meetings, trainings, legislative and regulatory meetings, and other projects, such as observing legal proceedings and attending legal training sessions offered through the District of Columbia Bar Association or other local organizations.
Applicants must be current students in an accredited law school program (1L, 2L, 3L, or LLM). Preferred qualifications include relevant background experience, strong academic credentials, legal research and writing skills, and a demonstrated interest in the media, technology, and/or non-profit fields. Candidates should have participated in relevant school activities and clinics and held prior legal and/or non-legal positions in applicable industries.
This is a for-credit or stipend-eligible externship. Applicants must be able to comply with their school's requirements for academic credit. The externship may also be compensated through a program in which the student receives a stipend from their school for non-profit work.
NPR is committed to building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to success. The OGC externship provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in various legal areas within a dynamic and mission-driven organization.