Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, State Supreme Court Initiative

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 DC seeks applicants to consider for a sponsored fellowship such as Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2027. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.

We will review applications on a rolling basis but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June 17 2026.

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).

Reporting to a Co-Director the 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 and citizen participation.

• 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

• 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 2027
• Admission to practice where based (NY or DC) is preferred; if not currently admitted agreement to become admitted within one year of hire (for two-year fellows)
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law civil liberties criminal justice and racial justice
• Willingness to work closely with the State 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

The ACLU has a litigator scale thatdeterminespay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The range of salaries are the following based onyearof law school graduation (please consult the hiring manager for specific salary details based on individual circumstances).

• 0-2 years since law school graduation: $96069 - $120009
• 3-5 years since law school graduation: $134414 - $158579
• 6-10 years since law school graduation: $165839 - $187087
• 11-15 years since law school graduation: $190585 - $201403
• 16-20 years since law school graduation: $203304 - $208540
• 21-25 years since law school graduation: $209595 - $213890
• 26-30 years since law school graduation: $214920 - $219104

The ACLU is committed to equity transparency and clarity in pay. These salaries are reflective of positions based in New YorkNYwhereourNational Offices are are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in thisposting.

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. Whetheritsending mass incarceration achieving full equality for the LGBTQ communityestablishingnew 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 notjusttheir 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

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 needassistanceapplying online please email. If you are selected for an interview you will receiveadditionalinformationregardinghow to requestan accommodationfor the interview process.