Jobs and Careers

Fall 2026 Fellowship Sponsorship, Disability Rights Program

San Francisco, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 6 Jun 2025

💰 $210,677/yr($92,374/yr – $210,677/yr)

About the role

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/ two year(s). The Disability Rights Project of the National office in San Francisco, CA or Washington, D.C. seeks applicants to consider for a sponsored fellowship such as Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2026. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.  OVERVIEW We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June 27, 2025. Please tailor your cover letter to include a discussion of what project you propose undertaking. Candidates are invited to propose projects in one of the following areas: AI and algorithmic discrimination against people with disabilities; discrimination against people with mental health and substance use disorder in the criminal legal system; or disability challenges to voter suppression laws. Candidates may also propose projects on other topics related to disability and civil liberties. 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, the Fellow will pursue a litigation-focused project focusing on: AI and algorithmic discrimination against people with disabilities; discrimination against people with mental health and substance use disorder in the criminal legal system; disability challenges to voter suppression laws; or another topic of their choice related to disability and civil liberties. 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 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

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 2026
Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, disability rights, and the disability community
Willingness to work closely with the Disability Rights 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
Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion

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).