Fall 2026 Fellowship Sponsorship, Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative
Fall 2026 Fellowship Sponsorship, Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative
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$ 206654 - 210677
1 Vacancy
Job Description
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 two years. The Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative (ACDI) of the National office in either Washington D.C. or New York NY seeks applicants to consider for a sponsored fellowship such as Skadden Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2026. This position can be for is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month or a remote role.
TheACDIis a first-of-its-kind program of the ACLU to confront the criminalization of abortion care in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Courts reversal of Roe v. Wade. The ACDI team of attorneys manages a network of experienced criminal defenders nationwide who are trusted partners ready to represent people at risk of abortion-related criminal investigations and prosecutions. ACDI attorneys provide legal strategic and logistical assistance to support local counsel and drive a nationwide coordinated defense response against the criminalization of reproductive healthcare. In addition ACDI attorneys collaborate closely with other projects in the ACLUs national office as well as ACLU affiliates to lead advocacy and litigation to mitigate the harms of abortion criminalization and expand access to abortion care.
Reporting to the ACDI Director the Fellow will be focused on two related goals: (1) supporting network defense counsel who will provide direct representation of those facing abortion related prosecution; (2) identify opportunities and assist in implementation of affirmative advocacy strategies to reduce the harms of laws that criminalize abortion Fellow will be a fully integrated member of the ACDI team and will engage in legal work critical to the success of the ACDIs mission.
We will review applications on a rolling basis but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by July 7 2025.
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).
- Assist with research writing and other legal support of criminal defense attorneys providing direct representation to those involved in abortion care including research addressing novel questions of constitutional and statutory law
- Assist in tracking of abortion-related prosecutions and other key litigation and legal developments to identify trends and advocacy opportunities for the initiative
- Assist in design planning and execution of ACDI trainings and education efforts
- Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials including communications assets
- Support strategic collaboration and coordination across other ACLU projects ACLUs state affiliates and other partners engaged in criminal defense support to those involved in abortion care.
- Assist in identifying opportunities for and advancing including amicus advocacy to limit the harm of laws that criminalize abortion and advance protections for those accessing care
- Assist in evaluation of opportunities for affirmative litigation and execution of affirmative litigation strategies to reduce the harm of laws that criminalize abortion access
- Center principles of equity inclusion and belonging in all work embedding the values in program development policy application and organizational practicesand processes
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity within the office using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences in regards to race ethnicity age gender identity and expression sexual orientation religion disability and socio-economic circumstance
- Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts
- 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
- J.D. or expected to receive a J.D by the spring of 2026
- Demonstrated commitment to criminal defense racial justice public interest law and civil liberties
- Willingness to work closely with ACDI 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
- 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
- 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
Employment Type
Grant
