Application Guide
How to Apply for KIP Summer 2026 - Legal Policy Intern - Pacific Legal Foundation
at Standtogether
🏢 About Standtogether
Pacific Legal Foundation is the nation's first and most successful public interest law firm dedicated to individual liberty, with an unmatched 18-2 record at the US Supreme Court. Unlike typical legal nonprofits, PLF combines litigation with policy advocacy to challenge government overreach at all levels, making it a unique place for those passionate about liberty.
About This Role
This Legal Policy Intern will support two teams: the Federal Legal Policy team, which develops strategies for legislative and executive reforms to curb unconstitutional regulatory agencies, and the Constitutional Scholarship team, which produces scholarly articles and research. The role is impactful because your work will directly contribute to advancing liberty through policy and scholarship.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the Federal Legal Policy team to discuss ongoing reform strategies, then shift to researching and drafting a memo on a proposed regulation. Afternoon could involve collaborating with the Constitutional Scholarship team on a legal article, followed by attending a virtual training session on Thursdays.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Standtogether Is Looking For
- A college junior, senior, grad student, or recent graduate who is inquisitive, creative, and self-motivated.
- Strong understanding of and commitment to the principles of individual liberty and limited government.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to synthesize complex legal and policy issues.
- Enjoys problem-solving and can work independently in a remote environment while collaborating with two teams.
📝 Tips for Applying to Standtogether
Explicitly connect your interest in liberty to PLF's mission and Supreme Court victories in your cover letter.
Highlight any research or writing experience on regulatory reform, constitutional law, or federalism.
Demonstrate your availability for Thursday virtual trainings (1-4 PM ET) and the in-person summit June 3-4.
Tailor your resume to show self-motivation and ability to juggle multiple projects (e.g., internships, clubs).
Mention familiarity with PLF's key cases (e.g., property rights, free speech) to show genuine interest.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for individual liberty and how it aligns with PLF's mission.", 'Specific skills in legal research, writing, or policy analysis that you bring.', 'Examples of your problem-solving and self-motivation in academic or extracurricular settings.', 'Why you want to work with both the Federal Legal Policy and Constitutional Scholarship teams.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read PLF's recent Supreme Court cases and amicus briefs on their website.
- → Understand the structure of the Koch Internship Program and its professional development sessions.
- → Familiarize yourself with current federal regulatory reform debates (e.g., Chevron deference, administrative state).
- → Look into PLF's blog or publications to see the type of scholarship the Constitutional Scholarship team produces.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't apply without understanding PLF's specific focus on property rights, free speech, and limited government.
- Avoid generic statements about 'public interest' without connecting to liberty or PLF's work.
- Don't ignore the mandatory Thursday training and summit; failing to mention availability is a red flag.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!