Legal Fellow, National Security

ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time, two-year National Security Fellowship with the National Security Project of the ACLU’s National Office in New York, NY. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. 

The National Security Project fights for people and communities harmed by the government in the name of national security, particularly people of color and other marginalized communities who are disproportionately targeted. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, the Project strives to ensure that people are able to participate fully in civic life and are free from discrimination, unwarranted suspicion and surveillance, unlawful force and detention, and the injustices and stigma that result from these abuses of national security policy. Recognizing the danger of expansive claims of state power, the Project advocates for a robust system of checks and balances, and policies that comply with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.

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

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

Reporting to the Project Director and Deputy Project Director, the National Security Fellow will conduct impact litigation and advocacy to advance civil rights and liberties, and challenge harms in the national security context. This is a two-year fellowship position that starts in Fall 2025. The ACLU encourages individuals with limited post-law school experience to apply.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

• Conduct legal research and analysis, fact development, and develop theories to support new litigation projects
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, declarations, motions, and briefs
• Interview and work with potential witnesses and clients
• Participate in discovery and trial practice as opportunities arise
• Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials
• Provide support and assistance to ACLU affiliates
• Help oversee and coordinate the summer internship program and 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. degree from a U.S. law school (by Spring 2025)
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Skilled at performing complex legal analytical work
• Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and civil rights and liberties
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
• Experience, through personal connection or employment experience, working with marginalized communities whose civil rights and liberties are harmed by discriminatory or abusive national security policies
• Knowledge of and interest in civil liberties issues related to national security

COMPENSATION

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

• 0-2 years since law school graduation: $89,250-$111,491
• 3-5 years since law school graduation: $124,873-$147,324
• 6-10 years since law school graduation: $154,069- $173,808
• 11-15 years since law school graduation: $177,058-$187,108
• 16-20 years since law school graduation: $188,874-$193,738
• 21-25 years since law school graduation: $194,719-$198,708
• 26-30+ years since law school graduation: $199,666- $203,553

The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. These salaries are reflective of positions based in New York, NY where are National Offices are headquartered.  Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.