NHeLP Summer 2026 Paid Legal Internships Focused on Health Equity

The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) is offering up to six paid legal internships for the Summer of 2026, with placements available across its three offices in Washington, D.C., Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Los Angeles, California. These internships are fully remote, requiring a 40-hour weekly commitment over 10 weeks. The positions emphasize legal and policy work focused on advancing health rights for low-income and underserved populations throughout the United States.

NHeLP, established in 1969, is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and advancing equitable access to quality health care through a combination of advocacy, education, and litigation at the federal and state levels. Its efforts encompass legal analysis, policy advocacy, and technical support, closely collaborating with lawyers, community organizations, policymakers, health care providers, and affected individuals.

Interns, primarily law students between their second and third years, are selected based on demonstrated commitment to public interest work, public health, and poverty law. The internship offers valuable exposure to diverse advocacy strategies addressing health care disparities, with mentorship from experienced attorneys and policy analysts. Intern roles vary, with the North Carolina office oriented towards litigation opportunities.

Interns receive stipends of up to $10,000 for the program duration, with the exact amount contingent on individual circumstances and other funding sources. Although the internship operates remotely, optional participation in in-person meetings or hearings is possible. NHeLP emphasizes health and safety, requiring remote attendance at virtual meetings regardless of time zones.

Through these internships, NHeLP aims to cultivate future legal professionals equipped to contribute to systemic health equity improvements. The program is supported by foundations such as the Open Horizon and honors former NHeLP executives through named internships, reflecting its ongoing dedication to public health law and policy development.