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.

PROGRAM DURATION:

• Fall Externs work part-time September 8th 2025 - December 5th , 2025 (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.
  We are interviewing for Fall 2025.
  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 full-time schedule. Fall and Spring externships must be for course credit.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

• Education: Must be a current student in an accredited law degree program .
• Copyright Course: Candidates must have taken a course in copyright law or equivalent and be well-versed in the principles of fair use. Prior experience with licensing issues is preferred but not required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fair Use
• Copyright Law
• Licensing
• Intellectual Property

EXTERN 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