Description:

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 or two year(s). The Ruth Bader Ginsburg Center for Liberty of the National office in New York, NY 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.

Overview:
The ACLU's Ruth Bader Ginsburg Center for Liberty encompasses the ACLU's legal work on reproductive freedom, LGBTQ rights and HIV, women's rights, freedom of religion and belief, and disability rights. It also encompasses the legal work of the ACLU to address the intersection of religious freedom and equal treatment, among other issues.

We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June 19, 2026.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

What You'll Do:
Reporting to the Center Director, the Fellow may work on any number of issues that are priorities to the Center including: deepening the ACLU's veterans' rights docket, advancing the family regulation docket, and combatting efforts to use religion to discriminate. The Fellow will also support the work of the Projects in the Center as needed.

Your Day to Day:

Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation projects
Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs
Interview witnesses and potential clients
Participate in discovery, hearings, and trial practice
Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials
Provide support and assistance to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys
Help manage summer legal internship program and supervise student interns
Engage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences as needed
Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned

Future ACLU'ERS 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 You'll Bring

J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2027
Admission to practice in New York, NY or Washington, DC (dependent on work location); if not currently admitted, agreement to become admitted within one year of hire
Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justice
Willingness to work closely with Center for Liberty 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