Description:

About the Job:
The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel in the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Center for Liberty of the ACLU's National office in New York, NY or Washington, D.C. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by May 22, 2026.

This is a 2-year term-limited term position.

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.

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

What You'll Do:
Reporting to the Deputy Legal Director/ Director of the Center for Liberty, the Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel will work closely with the Director on advancing the Center's programming. The work will include a focus on combatting efforts to use religion to discriminate; developing the ACLU's veterans' rights docket; addressing the many emerging challenges to free exercise and Establishment Clause doctrine; advancing the family regulation docket; and supporting the work on priorities in the center.

Your Day to Day:
  • Participate in litigation in federal and state courts on a range of issues of import to the Center for Liberty, including engaging in legal research, drafting briefs, and leading cases where experience permits
  • Develop relationships with other advocates, lawyers, academics, and potential clients to further Center goals
  • Work with and advise ACLU state affiliates
  • Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative, policy and campaign work and advancing ACLU policy goals through public education, organizing and participating in coalitions
  • Engage in public speaking and articulating ACLU views to a variety of audiences
  • Collaborate with staff in the Center, as well as across the organization, including in other projects within the ACLU's Legal Department, Communications Department, Affiliate and Nationwide Support Initiative, National Political Advocacy Department, Strategy Office, and state affiliates to advance
  • Travel as required for litigation, conferences, and client development
  • 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. degree
  • Litigation experience, including clerkships, is preferred
  • Excellent research, writing and oral advocacy skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as within a team
  • Interest and commitment to mentoring interns
  • Willingness to travel 
  • Admission to the bar of the state in which one will work is required or willingness to promptly seek such membership