Staff Attorney - Civil Liberties & Impact Litigation (DC)

National Black Lawyers Top 100; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time-off

Health insurance

401k with employer match

Student loan repayment assistance

Professional development funds

Job summary

ACLU-DC, based in Washington, DC, seeks a Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney for a full-time, hybrid role. The attorney will lead or co-lead civil liberties litigation, mentor junior staff, and engage in advocacy across departments.

The position requires a DC Bar admission (or eligibility) and 5–10 years of legal experience, with a strong background in civil rights litigation and appellate work. Residency in the DC area is expected.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the D.C. Bar, or ability to obtain membership by passing the next D.C. Bar examination.
• 5–10 years of experience as a full-time attorney (including fellowships and clerkships).
• At least 3 years of civil litigation experience in federal, state, or territorial courts.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, develop, and litigate civil liberties and civil rights cases in D.C. and federal court.
• Draft pleadings, motions, demand letters, appellate briefs, and amicus briefs.
• Conduct discovery, negotiate settlements, present argument in court.
• Represent ACLU-DC through speaking engagements, media interviews, and community outreach efforts.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Public speaking

Client interviewing

Collaboration

Mentoring

Advocacy

D.C. law

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

ACLU-DC, based in Washington, DC, seeks a Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney for a full-time, hybrid role. The attorney will lead or co-lead civil liberties litigation, mentor junior staff, and engage in advocacy across departments.

The position requires a DC Bar admission (or eligibility) and 5–10 years of legal experience, with a strong background in civil rights litigation and appellate work. Residency in the DC area is expected.