Research Assistant – Spring 2026 (For Credit)
The Center for Law and Public Trust
About the Center
The Center for Law and Public Trust at NYU Law works to strengthen American democracy by rebuilding effective, ethical, and accountable public institutions. Through operational and structural reform, policy design, scholarship, and leadership training, the Center develops actionable frameworks for institutional reform and prepares future lawyers to lead in the public interest. Its flagship initiative, the Rebuilding Justice Project (RJP), focuses on restoring public trust in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) by making it more effective, resilient to corruption and abuse, and transparent.
Position Description
The Center seeks four for-credit Research Assistants for Spring 2026 to support its ongoing projects. RAs will assist with legal research, policy analysis, and the development of reform proposals to strengthen the Department of Justice against abuse and corruption and restore public confidence in its mission. Research assistants will collaborate closely with faculty and Center staff, gaining exposure to several different projects throughout the semester.
Current Research Areas *subject to slight change:
- Reform Proposals: Compile and analyze published ideas for reforming DOJ operations, structures, and policies.
- Organizational History: Research the creation and evolution of DOJ offices established in response to Watergate, and assess their impact on institutional trust.
- Policy Histories: Trace the development and critique of key DOJ policies (e.g., White House contacts policy) and evaluate how they have changed over time.
- Office Roles and Responsibilities: Examine the history of offices such as the Office of Legal Counsel, focusing on the evolution of their functions and influence.
Qualifications
- Current NYU Law student eligible to earn academic credit
- Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
- Interest in government reform, institutional design, or public engagement
- Ability to work independently and synthesize complex materials
Application Materials
Please submit the following to hmd307@nyu.edu:
- A brief statement of interest (250–300 words)
- Current résumé
- Unofficial transcript
Deadline: Applications are due by Friday, December 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the position, please reach out to Halley Dunn at hmd307@nyu.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.