Description:
The Policing Project at New York University School of Law seeks a talented and motivated staff attorney to join our technology law and policy team.Join us at the epicenter of the national debate around AI, civil rights, and public safety. New law enforcement technologies constantly are emerging, and while some hold promise to improve public safety, they also can pose profound risks to privacy, equity, and other democratic values. Our technology team is dedicated to promoting the responsible governance of new technologies — from face recognition and vehicle surveillance systems to AI-driven report writing software and cutting-edge forensic tools. We take a unique approach among organizations working in the policing and technology space, partnering closely with policymakers, agencies, vendors, advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure that new technologies in the public safety sphere are used transparently, effectively, and in ways that respect civil rights and civil liberties.
The position is based out of the Policing Project's New York City offices (located at New York University School of Law).
Background on the Policing Project
The Policing Project is at the forefront of a new approach to addressing the harms of policing. We believe in “front-end accountability” — that there must be public voice and democratic sign off before police act, rather than simply when something goes wrong. The goal is achieving public safety that is equitable, non-discriminatory, and respectful of public values. We pursue this mission by drafting and promoting legislation to regulate policing, and by litigating where these principles are not respected. Our work addresses both street policing and the growing use by police of surveillance technologies and artificial intelligence. Because sending armed officers to deal with a raft of social problems satisfies no one, we also are working hard to reimagine public safety from the ground up, relying on non-police alternative first responders. You can learn more about our work —past and present — at www.PolicingProject.org.
Job Description & Responsibilities
Our technology law and policy team's work is founded on the conviction that policing technology must be adopted democratically — with robust oversight and an unwavering commitment to minimizing harm. Your role will be to help us translate that conviction into tangible, real-world policy and practice.
This position would entail the following core responsibilities:
- Conducting legal and policy research related to the use of emerging public safety technologies for our AI Policy Hub (https://www.policingproject.org/ai-policy-hub)
- Drafting and contributing to reports, issue briefs, policy guides, and memoranda addressing a range of public safety technologies, including:
- Face recognition and other biometric technologies
- Vehicle surveillance systems
- Predictive policing tools
- Drones and robotics
- Emerging DNA and forensic techniques
- Generative AI tools (such as police report-writing software)
- Assisting in the development of AI use policies for policing agencies, working alongside senior staff and in consultation with advocates, law enforcement, and community stakeholders
- Supporting a first-of-its-kind effort to develop a repository of body-worn camera footage for research into policing practices
- Helping to organize and participate in roundtables, workshops, and salons with policymakers, advocates, researchers, and practitioners
- Collaborating closely with colleagues across the Policing Project, including the legislative and litigation teams, as well as with external partners
This role offers substantial opportunities for mentorship, skill-building, and increasing responsibility over time.
Desired Experience & Qualifications
We are seeking a junior attorney who is eager to learn, intellectually curious, and committed to advancing democratic accountability in policing. Given the innovative and often sensitive nature of this work, we value strong judgment, thoughtfulness, and a collaborative mindset.
Applicants should have a J.D. and ideally will bring some combination of the following:
- Two or more years of legal experience, including internships, clerkships, fellowships, or entry-level roles in policy, litigation, government, or advocacy
- Familiarity and/or interest in constitutional law, criminal procedure, policing, racial justice, and civil rights/civil liberties
- Familiarity and/or interest in technology law, AI governance, and the use of emerging technologies in public safety (prior technical expertise is not required)
- Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills
- Good judgment and the ability to manage multiple tasks
- A collaborative, collegial, and curious approach to work
- Strong organizational skills and a willingness to take initiative
- Thoroughness and attention to detail
The Policing Project strongly encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and is an equal opportunity employer.
Application Instructions:
To apply please email a cover letter and resume as one PDF to applications@policingproject.org. Indicate “Staff Attorney, Technology Law and Policy” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and you will be contacted if selected for an interview.
Salary is commensurate with experience. In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Law, the salary is in the range of $95,000—$120,000. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Compensation also includes excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and vision. After one year, employees are eligible for tuition remission at certain NYU schools and matching retirement contributions. Further information regarding benefits can be found here.
