National Security Fellow — Civil Liberties Litigation (Fall 2027)

ACLU - National Office; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 219,000; Full time

Job summary

The ACLU invites applications for a Fall 2027 National Security Fellowship in the National Security Project at the ACLU’s National Office in New York, NY. This is a full-time, hybrid two-year fellowship with an in-office requirement of two days per week or eight days per month.

The Fellow will conduct impact litigation and advocacy to advance civil rights and liberties in the national security context, reporting to the Project Director and Deputy Project Director.

Qualifications

• J.D. from a U.S. law school (by Spring 2027)
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Skilled at performing complex legal analytical work
• Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
• Commitment to public interest law and civil rights
• Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
• Experience with marginalized communities affected by national security policies
• Knowledge of civil liberties issues related to national security

Responsibilities

• Conduct impact litigation and advocacy to advance civil rights and liberties
• Conduct legal research and analysis, fact development, and develop theories
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, declarations, motions, and briefs
• Interview 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 to ACLU affiliates
• Oversee the summer internship program and student interns
• Engage in public speaking and attend meetings/conferences as needed
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned

Skills

Legal research

Writing skills

Verbal communication

Independent work

Legal analysis

Fact-finding

Public interest

National security law

Education

J.D. from U.S. law school

Job description

The ACLU invites applications for a Fall 2027 National Security Fellowship in the National Security Project at the ACLU’s National Office in New York, NY. This is a full-time, hybrid two-year fellowship with an in-office requirement of two days per week or eight days per month.

The Fellow will conduct impact litigation and advocacy to advance civil rights and liberties in the national security context, reporting to the Project Director and Deputy Project Director.