Fall 2025 Fellowship Sponsorship, National Security Project

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 one or two years. The National Security Project of the National office in New York City seeks applicants to consider for a sponsored fellowship such as Skadden, Equal Justice Works, Justice Catalyst, or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2025. This is a hybrid role that has an in-office requirement 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.

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

Reporting to the Project Director and Deputy Project Director, the Fellow will conduct impact litigation and advocacy to advance civil rights and liberties, and challenge harms in the national security context. The ACLU encourages individuals who are graduating from law school in Spring 2025 or who have limited post-law school experience to apply.

We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by July 8, 2024.

The Fellow must secure external funding, please email hiring@aclu.org for funding requirements. Our staff will work with candidates to develop their proposals for submission, helping tailor the proposal to address an important civil liberties issue.

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

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 2025
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and civil rights and liberties
• Willingness to work closely with the National Security Project 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

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

These salaries are reflective of positions based in New York, NY. The salary will be subject to a locality adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting. Note that most of t