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About the Role

ACLU NorCal seeks two Fellows for its Legal Advocacy department for a two-year term starting Fall 2027. The Fellows will develop and execute litigation and policy work to advance strategic plans and protect civil rights and liberties. The position reports to the Director of Appellate Advocacy or Senior Supervising Attorney.

Responsibilities

• Engage in the investigation, development, initiation, and litigation of high-impact cases, including: conducting legal research and analysis, drafting pleadings, motions, briefs and complaints, evaluating and investigating potential legal claims, managing fact and expert discovery, identifying potential plaintiffs and defendants, and coordinating amicus briefing.
• Engage in the development, initiation, and implementation of policy advocacy, including: evaluating state and local legislation, helping to develop new policy, drafting advocacy letters, researching and developing public education materials, and working in coalition with other organizations, particularly those from impacted communities.
• Engage in other activities to advance the work of the Department and participate in Team meetings, Department Meetings, and Organizational meetings, as required.

Requirements

• J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the summer of 2027.
• Admission to California State Bar or willingness to sit for the next available Bar Examination.
• Demonstrated commitment to pursuing public interest law, civil liberties, and civil rights.
• Strong research and writing skills (and strong interest in developing and refining these skills).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills, including ability to interact effectively with people from different racial, social and economic backgrounds, and ability to negotiate, compromise, and problem solve in coalition settings.
• Excellent time and project management skills, and experience engaging in creative problem solving and taking initiative.
• Strong commitment to racial justice work and incorporating racial justice principles into legal work.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Lived experience, volunteer work, and transferable work skills will be considered toward experience requirements.

Skills

• Legal research and analysis
• Drafting pleadings, motions, briefs and complaints
• Evaluating and investigating potential legal claims
• Managing fact and expert discovery
• Identifying potential plaintiffs and defendants
• Coordinating amicus briefing
• Evaluating state and local legislation
• Developing new policy
• Drafting advocacy letters
• Researching and developing public education materials
• Working in coalition with other organizations
• Communication
• Relationship building
• Negotiation
• Compromise
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Project management
• Creative problem solving
• Taking initiative
• Racial justice principles

Location

• San Francisco, CA
• Sacramento, CA
• Fresno, CA

Work Type

• Hybrid
• Full-time

Experience Level

• Fellowship

Education Level

• Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Salary/Compensations

• $113,846 - $124,689

Benefits

• Generous paid time-off policies
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits (Including fully paid medical, dental and vision coverage as well as parental leave and a fertility benefit)
• 401k plan and employer match
• Annual professional development funds

About the Company

• The ACLU of Northern California (ACLU NorCal) is an enduring guardian of justice, fairness, equality, and freedom, working to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties for all Californians.
• A mission-driven team that values equity, belonging, inclusion, collaboration, and growth.

Equal Opportunity

• The ACLU NorCal is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.
• The ACLU NorCal advances equity and inclusion in the workplace by providing equal employment opportunity to support a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (over 40), sexual orientation, military and veteran status, and any other basis prohibited by law.
• The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
• This equal employment opportunity policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, advancement, training, problem resolution, and separation from employment.
• Through this policy, the ACLU NorCal strives to establish and maintain an equitable and accessible work environment that is free from discrimination and supportive of a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of our communities and the people we serve.
• ACLU NorCal will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).