ABOUT THE JOB
The ACLU invites rising third-year law students and law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity to work with us as a Legal Fellow for up to one/ two year(s). The State Supreme Court Initiative of the National office in New York City or Washington DCseeks applicants to consider for a sponsored fellowship such as Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2026. This is ahybrid rolethat has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight(8) days per month.
OVERVIEW
We will review applications on a rolling basis but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June 20 2025.
Please tailor your cover letters to (1) include a statement of your interest in working with the SSCI specifically and (2) address whether you are interested in one- or two-year fellowships (or both) and the sources of external fellowship funding for which you intend to apply.
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).
WHAT YOULL DO
Reporting to a Co-Directorthe Fellowwill focus on identifying and briefing cutting-edge cases of constitutional importance in state supreme courts and in appropriate circumstances other state courts. The SSCI anticipates that the Fellow will devote a significant portion of the fellowship to litigation matters and other projects with the potential to (1) substantially expand access to justice in state courts (2) establish more robust state constitutional equality protections and/or (3) protect and expand the role of state constitutions and courts in promoting democracy.
YOUR DAY TO DAY
Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation projects
Draft legal memoranda briefs motions and other legal pleadings
- Develop research template arguments and other resources to support the work of ACLU projects affiliates and cooperating attorneys
Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials
Provide support and assistance to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys
Engage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences as needed
FUTURE ACLUERS WILL
Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
Center and embed the principles of equity inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts
WHAT YOULL BRING
J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2026
Demonstrated commitment to public interest law civil liberties criminal justice and racial justice
Willingness to work closely with theState Supreme Court Initiative through the funding application process
Excellent research writing and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion
COMPENSATION
The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The range of salaries are the following based on year of law school graduation (please consult the hiring manager for specific salary details based on individual circumstances).
0-2 years since law school graduation: $92374-$115393
3-5 years since law school graduation: $129244-$152480
6-10 years since law school graduation: $159461- $179891
11-15 years since law school graduation: $183255-$193657
16-20 years since law school graduation: $195485-$200519
21-25 years since law school graduation: $201534-$205663
26-30 years since law school graduation: $206654- $210677
The ACLU is committed to equity transparency and clarity in pay. These salaries are reflective of positions based in New York NY where are National Offices are headquartered. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.
For details on our pay structure please visit:
For over 100 years the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether its ending mass incarceration achieving full equality for the LGBTQ community establishing new privacy protections for our digital age or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people.
We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just their work but to their overall well-being.
At the ACLU we offer a broad range of benefits which include:
Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy
Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical dental and vision coverage parental leave gender affirming care & fertility treatment)
Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match
We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds internal professional development programs and workshops
OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY EQUITY DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Accessibility equity diversity and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty equality and justice for all. For us diversity equity accessibility and inclusion are not just check-the-box activities but a chance for us to make long-term meaningful change. We are a community committed to learning and growth humility and grace transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. We are as committed to anti-oppression anti-ableism and anti-racism internally as we are externally. Because whether were in the courts or in the office we believe We the People means all of us.
With this commitment in mind we strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race color religion gender sexual orientation gender identity or expression age national origin marital status citizenship disability veteran status and record of arrest or conviction or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online please email. If you are selected for an interview you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.