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About the Role

The ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project (IRP) invites rising third-year law students and law graduates to apply for a two-year Legal Fellow sponsorship opportunity, seeking applicants for sponsored fellowships like Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in Fall 2027. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority for submissions by June 18, 2026. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit, represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU). The Legal Fellow will focus on opposing unconstitutional immigration apprehension tactics, including developing and litigating challenges to ICE and CBP mass arrests, DHS enforcement tactics, and state/local law enforcement participation in federal deportation. Alternatively, the role involves holding federal immigration enforcement officers accountable for abuses through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), developing and leading a coordinated FTCA litigation strategy across ACLU affiliates, and litigating cases.

Responsibilities

Litigate immigrants’ rights cases, including legal research, fact development, client interaction, drafting legal documents, discovery, motion practice, evidentiary hearings, and oral arguments.
Conduct legal research and analysis to develop theories for new litigation and advocacy projects.
Collaborate with ACLU Communications and National Political Advocacy Departments to develop public education and advocacy materials on immigrants’ rights.
Articulate ACLU views to diverse audiences through public speaking, traditional media, and social media.
Advise ACLU state affiliates and partner organizations on immigrants’ rights issues.
Manage the summer legal internship program and supervise student interns.
Travel as required for litigation, conferences, and advocacy opportunities.
Engage in special projects and other assigned duties.

Requirements

Commitment to advancing the ACLU mission.
Ability to center and embed principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging, demonstrating commitment to diversity.
Commitment to collaborative and respectful work to resolve obstacles and conflicts.
Admission to practice in New York or California; if not currently admitted, agreement to become admitted within one year of hire.
Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justice.
Willingness to work closely with the Immigrants' Rights Project through the funding application process.
Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding.
Proven ability to work independently and within a team.
Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks, and see projects through to completion.

Skills

Excellent research skills
Excellent writing skills
Excellent verbal communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills

Location

New York, NY
San Francisco, CA
Salaries are reflective of positions based in New York, NY. Subject to regional pay adjustment if authorized to work outside of listed location.

Work Type

hybrid role
in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month

Experience Level

0-2 years since law school graduation
3-5 years since law school graduation
6-10 years since law school graduation
11-15 years since law school graduation
16-20 years since law school graduation
21-25 years since law school graduation
26-30+ years since law school graduation

Education Level

J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by Spring 2027

Salary/Compensations

0-2 years since law school graduation: $96,069 - $120,009
3-5 years since law school graduation: $134,414 - $158,579
6-10 years since law school graduation: $165,839 - $187,087
11-15 years since law school graduation: $190,585 - $201,403
16-20 years since law school graduation: $203,304 - $208,540
21-25 years since law school graduation: $209,595 - $213,890
26-30+ years since law school graduation: $214,920 - $219,104

Benefits

Generous paid time-off policy
Comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment)
401k plan with employer match
Annual professional development funds
Internal professional development programs and workshops

About the Company

For over 100 years, the ACLU has defended and preserved individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and laws.
The ACLU addresses civil liberties cases and issues, including ending mass incarceration, achieving LGBTQ+ equality, establishing privacy protections, and preserving voting and abortion rights.

Equal Opportunity

Accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the ACLU, central to advancing liberty, equality, and justice for all.
The ACLU is committed to learning, growth, humility, grace, transparency, and accountability, fostering a culture of belonging that respects difference, treats everyone equitably, and empowers colleagues.
Committed to anti-oppression, anti-ableism, and anti-racism internally and externally.
Strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities; assistance available via benefits.hrdept@aclu.org.