Privacy Law Career and Internship Opportunities
for GW Law Students and Alumni
This page is to provide privacy law career advice and opportunities as well as internship opportunities to GW Law School students. This page is intended for the GW Law School community only. To make this page easier to use and share, I am not locking it with a password, though it is set not to be indexed by search engines.
You may share the URL to this page with other members of the GW Law School community and alumni. Please do not share this with others.
If you’re not part of the GW Law School community, this page will not be relevant for you. The opportunities listed here are ones where contacts have asked me for GW Law students. I maintain a general career advice page (How to Enter the Privacy Profession) and a privacy law fellowship page that are for a larger audience (A List of Privacy Law Fellowships).
Job Advice
Professor Solove’s Information Privacy Law Alumni LinkedIn Group
I have a LinkedIn group for alumni of my information privacy law class that I use to share information about job opportunities I learn about as well as keep in touch with students and share some of my recent work with them. This is a non-public group and I only let current and former students join. Please join if you’re interested. Although the group is called “alumni,” I welcome current students too.
In 2018, LinkedIn made a change to its groups to make it harder for me to list jobs, so I’m now listing more of them on this page, though I will still list some in the group to the extent I can. I also use the group to stay in touch with former students so I know where they are and how to contact them, so please sign up for the group if you want to stay in touch.
Advice on Entering the Privacy Profession
In my post, How to Enter the Privacy Profession, I offer advice from others plus offer some of my own advice on entering the privacy profession.
You might consider joining a relevant Bar Association, such as the ABA Section of Science and Technology or the ABA Antitrust Division’s Privacy and Information Security Committee. Click here for Law Student Member Resources and Opportunities.
The Internet Law & Policy Foundry is a collaborative group of early-career Internet law and policy professionals passionate about technology. The group created a platform for policy and law professionals with a genuine, demonstrated passion for the Internet and technology. Its Job Board lists relevant positions, internships, and fellowships in Internet, technology, and privacy law, as well as in related fields.
You might consider obtaining a certification from the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Their main certification is called a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) and is increasingly a sought-after credential by employers.
Privacy Law Fellowships
I maintain the following page about privacy law fellowship opportunities: A List of Privacy Law Fellowships. The difference between the page I linked to above and this current page is that this page is focused on information just for GW Law School students.
General Recurring Job Opportunities
Where the Entry-Level and Junior Privacy Law Jobs Are
The following organizations often have entry-level job opportunities or fellowships. These places can be a great way to start your career:
Big Law Job Opportunities
Many law firms now have privacy law practice groups. These practice groups advise companies on complying with various privacy laws around the world. Some of the groups handle regulatory investigations such as FTC or HHS investigations. Some groups handle data breach response. Although many practices are primarily about offering compliance advice, there are practice groups that are involved in data breach litigation as well as TCPA litigation. A few firms handle a significant amount of work involving ECPA.
There are several sites that rank law firms in the field. I find such rankings somewhat dubious, but these lists are a good way to identify many of the law firms with practices in the field.
US News — of course, US News must rank everything in the universe
Boutique Law Firm Job Opportunities
There are several smaller boutique firms that focus heavily or exclusively on privacy and cybersecurity — InfoLawGroup and ZwillGen are two of the most prominent ones.
ZwillGen, a boutique firm focusing on privacy law and ECPA work, has an annual program where it hires fellows who work for a year. Fellows have gone on to great positions afterwards, making this position a terrific stepping stone. Several former students of mine have been ZwillGen fellows.
Consulting and Auditing Firm Job Opportunities
The consulting and auditing firms are willing to hire entry-level and relatively junior attorneys. The junior-level work consists of doing audits, risk assessments, or other similar projects. This can be a good way to learn about the issues and risks that big companies are facing.
PwC
PwC’s Cybersecurity and Privacy practice helps organizations protect against threats, propel transformation, and pursue growth. The practice has a long history of helping organizations strategically assess, design, deploy, and improve cybersecurity programs. Click here for related job opportunities.
Deloitte
Deloitte provides audit and assurance, consulting, risk and financial advisory, risk management, tax, and related services to clients. In the U.S., Deloitte LLP provides these services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including more than 85 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 6,000 private and middle market companies. Click here for related job and internship opportunities.
KPMG
KPMG is a professional service company with three categories of services: financial audit, tax, and advisory. In an advisory capacity, KPMG works with clients on a range of cybersecurity services, including privacy, data governance, and cyber defense and response. The company offers internships and jobs in the field.
Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH)
Booz Allen Hamilton works in consulting, analytics, digital solutions, engineering, and cyber. It works with industries ranging from defense to health to energy to international development. Click here for related job opportunities.
Non-Profit, NGOs, and Advocacy Organization Job Opportunities
Future of Privacy Forum (Washington, DC)
FPF describes itself as follows: “The Future of Privacy Forum is a nonprofit organization that serves as a catalyst for privacy leadership and scholarship, advancing principled data practices in support of emerging technologies.” FPF has the Elise Berkower Memorial Fellowship and Christopher Wolf Diversity Law Fellowship for recent grads. FPF is a great career launching pad for privacy because they are very well connected to companies in many industries and are dealing with many cutting-edge issues.
Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)
CDT is a non-profit that describes itself as follows: “[W]e work to preserve the user-controlled nature of the internet and champion freedom of expression. We support laws, corporate policies, and technology tools that protect the privacy of internet users, and advocate for stronger legal controls on government surveillance.” CDT tends to take moderate balanced positions on privacy issues, especially consumer privacy issues. Its positions on government surveillance are more strongly on the libertarian side. From time to time, job positions open up.
Public Citizen is a non-profit that describes itself as follows: “Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest – your interests – in the halls of power. Since our founding in 1971, we have defended democracy, resisted corporate power and worked to ensure that government works for the people – not for big corporations.” Their platform isn’t primarily focused on privacy. Public Citizen handles a wide array of issues affecting democracy, and some of these involve law and technology with privacy implications.
Public Knowledge is a non-profit that describes itself as follows: “Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy on behalf of the public interest.” Public Knowledge focuses on a handful of issues, many relating to free speech. Some issues involve privacy, especially their work on broadband privacy.
ACLU
The ACLU has a number of career opportunities. They focus on a wide array of issues, including a number of privacy issues such as anonymous speech and protection from government surveillance.
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
EFF describes itself as follows: “The Electronic Frontier Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world.” EFF is located in San Francisco, CA. EFF does advocacy work that includes litigating cases. I am on their advisory board.
Open Technology Institute (OTI)
The Open Technology Institute is the technology program of the New America Foundation. OTI formulates policy and regulatory reforms to support open architectures and open-source innovations and facilitates the development and implementation of open technologies and communications networks. OTI has several fellowships related to privacy and cybersecurity,
Self-Regulatory Organization Job Opportunities
There are a number of associations that promulgate and enforce self-regulatory codes.
Network Advertising Initiative (NAI)
NAI describes itself as follows: “NAI is a non-profit organization that is the leading self-regulatory association dedicated to responsible data collection and its use for digital advertising.” NAI has hired many GW Law students as interns, and it has hired quite a number of my students for permanent positions. Students who have worked or interned there have reported very positive experiences.
Private-Sector Companies – In-House Job Opportunities
Many private sector companies are reluctant to hire entry-level or very junior attorneys for in-house positions. But there are a few companies that do. So it is useful to look at companies but be prepared for a significant amount of rejection as many tend to want to hire more experienced lawyers.
Facebook has a large privacy team that faces challenging and interesting issues. Facebook is often looking to hire.
Academic Institution Job Opportunities
Berkman Klein Center at Harvard Fellowships
The Berkman Klein Center at Harvard offers fellowships for grads. A few former students have done fellowships here and have found the experience to be quite worthwhile.
Industry or Professional Association Job Opportunities
Many industries and professions have associations. Some associations are increasingly dealing with privacy issues and might be interested in hiring an attorney to assist and advise on such issues.
International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Westin Fellowship
Each year, IAPP hires Westin Fellows to work at the IAPP’s headquarters in New Hampshire. Several students have done this fellowship, and they have launched into great job opportunities thereafter. This fellowship is thus a great stepping stone.
Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA)
The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) is an international not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to innovation and enhancing society’s access to information and communications. CCIA promotes open markets, open systems, open networks and full, fair and open competition in the computer, telecommunications and Internet industries. It offers legal internship and job opportunities related to privacy, security, and telecommunications.
Government Job Opportunities
There are many government agencies at the federal and state levels that are dealing with privacy and cybersecurity issues. Broadly, there are two types of privacy/security lawyers who work at these agencies: (1) outward-facing regulators – focus on enforcement of laws and regulations; (2) inward-facing agency compliance officials – focus on doing work internally to make sure that agencies themselves are complying with privacy and security law.
Federal Government Agencies and Departments – FTC, FCC, HHS, DHS, DOJ, CCIPS (DOJ), DOC, and others
Government agencies and departments will hire entry-level attorneys. Find government job listings at https://www.usajobs.gov/.
DOJ Office of Information Policy
The DOJ Office of Information Policy is responsible for developing government-wide policy guidance on all aspects of FOIA administration. The OIP also provides legal counsel and training to agency personnel, and manages agency compliance with FOIA. The OIP hires attorneys to serve as attorney-advisors, who adjudicate appeals under the FOIA or Privacy Act of 1974, provide individualized guidance to agencies on questions relating to the application of the FOIA, and handle the defense of certain FOIA matters in litigation.
National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA)
NTIA is the Executive Branch agency that is principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. For job listings at the agency, check USAjobs.gov.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a physical sciences laboratory, and a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce. From the smart electric power grid and electronic health records to atomic clocks, advanced nanomaterials, and computer chips, innumerable products and services rely in some way on technology, measurement, and standards provided by the agency. NIST offers a variety of internships and jobs.
FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection
The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices, including inadequate privacy and data security policies or practices. The Bureau collects complaints, conducts investigations, files suits, and develops rules to maintain a fair marketplace. The Bureau offers both a Summer Law Clerk Program and entry-level careers.
New Jersey State Attorney General Honors Program
The New Jersey State Attorney General Honors Program offers recent law school graduates and newly admitted lawyers the opportunity to begin their legal careers in public service. The two-year program allows participants to work in one of six issue areas: civil rights; consumer financial protection; data privacy & cybersecurity; environment; gun safety & gun violence; and public integrity. Click here to apply.
General Recurring Internship Opportunities
Even if a specific internship opportunity isn’t announced, the following organizations often have opportunities and are worth contacting:
Non-Profit, NGOs, and Advocacy Organization Internship Opportunities
FPF is located in Washington DC. It describes itself as follows: “The Future of Privacy Forum is a nonprofit organization that serves as a catalyst for privacy leadership and scholarship, advancing principled data practices in support of emerging technologies.” FPF is a great career launching pad for privacy because they are very well connected to companies in many industries and are dealing with many cutting-edge issues.
Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)
CDT is a non-profit located in Washington DC that describes itself as follows: “[W]e work to preserve the user-controlled nature of the internet and champion freedom of expression. We support laws, corporate policies, and technology tools that protect the privacy of internet users, and advocate for stronger legal controls on government surveillance.” CDT tends to take moderate balanced positions on privacy issues, especially consumer privacy issues. Its positions on government surveillance are more strongly on the libertarian side. From time to time, job positions open up.
Public Citizen is a non-profit that describes itself as follows: “Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest – your interests – in the halls of power. Since our founding in 1971, we have defended democracy, resisted corporate power and worked to ensure that government works for the people – not for big corporations.” Their platform isn’t primarily focused on privacy. Public Citizen handles a wide array of issues affecting democracy, and some of these involve law and technology with privacy implications.
Public Knowledge is a non-profit that describes itself as follows: “Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy on behalf of the public interest.” Public Knowledge focuses on a handful of issues, many relating to free speech. Some issues involve privacy, especially their work on broadband privacy.
Privacy International is an international human rights group based in London, England with offices in Washington, DC and Sydney, Australia. It has members in over 40 countries and has led campaigns against national id cards, video surveillance and other privacy violations in numerous countries including Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the Philippines. The Volunteer Program seeks interested candidates to assist Privacy International’s team at their London office. The commitment is a minimum of three days per week for three months, with intakes for volunteers occurring every spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC)
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC) is a nonprofit organization protecting privacy for all by empowering individuals and advocating for positive change. It publishes extensive educational materials on complex issues, and helps shape the dialogue around privacy by highlighting individual stories and championing strong consumer protections. PRC accepts legal interns to research and write memos, regulatory comments, and analysis on relevant case law and legislation. Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated interest in data privacy issues and consumer education. The organization accepts applications for the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
ACLU – various locations
Various offices of the ACLU in different cities have sought interns during the summer. The ACLU focuses on a wide array of issues, including a number of privacy issues such as anonymous speech and protection from government surveillance.
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
EFF is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco that describes itself as follows: “The Electronic Frontier Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world.” EFF is located in San Francisco, CA. EFF does advocacy work that includes litigating cases. I am on their advisory board. EFF often has internship opportunities during the summer.
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization that is dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues. Cato interns work primarily as researchers assisting policy scholars in individual departments ranging from defense and foreign policy, healthcare policy, constitutional studies, and numerous others. Interns who are in law school or who hold a JD receive a stipend of $1400 per month.
Professional and Industry Association Internship Opportunities
Network Advertising Initiative (NAI)
NAI is located in Washington, DC and describes itself as follows: “NAI is a non-profit organization that is the leading self-regulatory association dedicated to responsible data collection and its use for digital advertising.” NAI has hired many GW Law students as interns, and it has hired quite a number of my students for permanent positions. Students who have worked or interned there have reported very positive experiences.
Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)
The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) is an advocacy and policy organization for technology and innovation companies. Job openings can be found here.
Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA)
The Software & Information Industry Association is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to the leading companies that are setting the pace for the digital age. SIIA offers paid internships for undergraduate and graduate students throughout the year. Interns support various membership divisions and departments including Education, Content, Software and Marketing/Communications.
Academic Institution Internship Opportunities
Berkman Klein Center at Harvard Fellowships
The Berkman Klein Center at Harvard has a summer internship program. A few former students have done this internship and enjoyed it.
Private-Sector Company Internship Opportunities
Facebook has often hired interns during the semesters and summer.
Google has often hired interns during the semesters and summer.
Government Internship Opportunities
National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA)
NTIA is the Executive Branch agency that is principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. The agency offers legal, policy, and technical internship opportunities throughout the year for students motivated by a passion for Internet and communication policy. For job listings at the agency, check USAjobs.gov.
FTC’s Office of International Affairs
The FTC’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) often seeks interns throughout the school year. Several former students work there permanently.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a physical sciences laboratory, and a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce. From the smart electric power grid and electronic health records to atomic clocks, advanced nanomaterials, and computer chips, innumerable products and services rely in some way on technology, measurement, and standards provided by the agency. NIST offers a variety of internships and jobs.
FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection
The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices, including inadequate privacy and data security policies or practices. The Bureau collects complaints, conducts investigations, files suits, and develops rules to maintain a fair marketplace. The Bureau offers both a Summer Law Clerk Program and entry-level careers.
U.S Congress
Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law
The Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law oversees laws and policies governing the collection, protection, use and dissemination of commercial information by the private sector, including online behavioral advertising, privacy within social networking websites and other online privacy issues. Applications for internships and clerkships on the Judiciary Committee are considered through Members’ personal offices. For information on how to contact Members’ offices, click here.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet has jurisdiction over legislation, Congressional action, and other matters relating to communications. The Subcommittee is also responsible for oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The Commerce Committee offers full and part-time summer, fall, and spring internships in Washington, D.C. for undergraduate, graduate, and law students.