Office of the General Counsel Copyright [For-Credit] Externship - Summer 2027

OVERVIEW

A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR . This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

Intro to Position
Application submissions for Office of the General Counsel (Copyright) Externship
- Summer 2027 will close on Sunday, October 18th at 11:59pm ET.

Program Duration:
- Externs work from May 10, 2027 - August 13, 2027 (dates may be flexible depending on school requirements)

Legal externs are vital contributors to the work of the Office of the General Counsel (“OGC”). The OGC is responsible for providing high-quality, cost-efficient, legal and related services to our NPR clients to achieve its mission of service to the public.

NPR is looking for a 2L or 3L who has a strong interest in copyright law, has taken a course in copyright law, and has comprehensive knowledge of basic copyright principles and fair use. The externship will provide an excellent opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the many legal issues involved in fair use analysis, rights management, and the audio licensing process.

NPR offers legal externships throughout the year. Course credit may be obtained by arrangement with individual law schools. During the summer, law clerks are expected to work full-time, 40 hours per week for 12 weeks. Fall and Spring externships can be on a part-time schedule (usually 15-20 hours per week) or a full-time schedule. Fall and Spring externships must be for course credit.
Responsibilities

The extern will gain practical experience working on issues related to copyright, fair use, and audio licensing, which will include assisting senior counsel with the following tasks:

- Evaluating copyright issues in audio content (and occasional video content).

- Researching copyright issues.

- Making fair use determinations.

- Drafting and/or organizing permissions agreements and otherwise assessing legal aspects of proposed licensing agreements.

- Assisting with Rights Management issues.

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.
Preferred Qualifications

- Fair Use Law experience and/or familiarity.

- Intellectual Property experience and/or familiarity.

- Prior experience with licensing issues is preferred but not required

Education Requirements

- Must be a current student in an accredited law degree program.

- Candidates must have taken a course in copyright law or equivalent and be well-versed in the principles of fair use. .

Work Location & Requirements
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NPR Remote-Permitted : This is a remote-permitted role. This role is based out of our Washington, D.C. office, but the employee may choose to work on a remote basis from a location that NPR approves. You will have the option of working (a) remotely from a location of your choosing within the United States that is supported by NPR; (b) on-site at an NPR facility, based on the availability of desks and approval from NPR; or (c) a combination of both. Regardless of where you choose to work from, you may be expected to travel to other locations from time to time to per