Fall 2026 Fellowship Sponsorship, Capital Punishment Project

ABOUT THE JOB    The ACLU invites rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity to work with us as a Legal Fellow for one or two year(s). The Capital Punishment Project of the National office in Durham, NC, seeks applicants to consider for a sponsored fellowship such as Equal Justice Works, Justice Catalyst 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 in our Durham, NC, Washington, DC, or New York City office.     OVERVIEW 

The Capital Punishment Project, part of the ACLU’s Center for Justice, challenges the unfairness and arbitrariness of capital punishment while working toward the ultimate goal of abolishing the death penalty. The Project engages in public advocacy and strategic litigation, including direct representation of capital defendants. The Project’s litigation is conducted throughout the country, with a particular focus on the South. 

The Capital Punishment Project is interested in sponsoring a candidate to work on litigation challenging race discrimination in the application of the death penalty.  The Project welcomes additional suggestions from prospective fellow applicants.    Please tailor your cover letters to explain why you’re interested in working with CPP on the project described below.   We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June 13, 2025.    This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).    WHAT YOU'LL DO 

Reporting to the Director, the Fellow will advance the Project's systemic challenges to race discrimination in the application of the death penalty under state constitution and state racial justice statutes. This may include litigation to secure public records, working with social science experts, and drafting pleadings. 

Our staff will work with candidates to develop their proposals for submission, helping tailor the proposal to address an important civil liberties issue. Proposed projects often combine litigation and advocacy with community outreach and public education.

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, criminal justice, and racial justice 
• Willingness to work closely with CPP 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). 

• 0-2 years since law school graduation: $92,374-$115,393 
• 3-5 years since law sc