Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, State Supreme Court Initiative

ABOUT THE JOBThe ACLU invites rising third-year law students and law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity to work with us as a Legal Fellow for up to one or two years. The State Supreme Court Initiative of the National office in NewYorkCityorWashington,DC seeks applicants to consider for a sponsored fellowship such as Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2027. This is a hybrid role that has in‑office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.OVERVIEWWe will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June17,2026 .Please tailor your cover letters to (1) include a statement of your interest in working with the SSCI specifically, and (2) address whether you are interested in one‑ or two‑year fellowships (or both), and the sources of external fellowship funding for which you intend to apply.WHAT YOU'LL DOReporting to a Co‑Director, the Fellow will focus on identifying and briefing cutting‑edge cases of constitutional importance in state supreme courts and, in appropriate circumstances, other state courts. The SSCI anticipates that the Fellow will devote a significant portion of the fellowship to litigation matters and other projects with the potential to (1) substantially expand access to justice in state courts, (2) establish more robust state constitutional equality protections, and/or (3) protect and expand the role of state constitutions and courts in promoting democracy and citizen participation.YOUR DAY TO DAYConduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation projectsDraft legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other legal pleadingsDevelop research, template arguments, and other resources to support the work of ACLU projects, affiliates, and cooperating attorneysDraft and edit public education and non‑litigation advocacy materialsProvide support and assistance to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneysEngage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences as neededFUTURE ACLU'ERS WILLBe committed to advancing the mission of the ACLUCenter 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 perspectivesBe committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflictsWHAT YOU'LL BRINGJ.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2027Admission to practice where based (NY or DC) is preferred; if not currently admitted, agreement to become admitted within one year of hire (for two‑year fellows)Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justiceWillingness to work closely with the State Supreme Court Initiative through the funding application processExcellent research, writing, and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact‑findingExcellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a teamSelf‑motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completionCOMPENSATIONThe 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: $96,069 - $120,0093‑5 years since law school graduation: $134,414 - $158,5796‑10 years since law school graduation: $165,839 - $187,08711‑15 years since law school graduation: $190,585 - $201,40316‑20 years since law school graduation: $203,304 - $208,54021‑25 years since law school graduation: $209,595 - $213,89026‑30+ years since law school graduation: $214,920 - $219,104The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. These salaries are reflective of positions based in NewYork, NY, where our National Offices are headquartered. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting. offer a broad range of benefits, which include:Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time‑off policyFocus on your well‑being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment)Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer matchWe support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshopsEEO & ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENTWith this commitment in mind, we strongly encourage 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 and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.#J-18808-Ljbffr

ABOUT THE JOBThe ACLU invites rising third-year law students and law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity to work with us as a Legal Fellow for up to one or two years. The State Supreme Court Initiative of the National office in NewYorkCityorWashington,DC seeks applicants to consider for a sponsored fellowship such as Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2027. This is a hybrid role that has in‑office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.OVERVIEWWe will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June17,2026 .Please tailor your cover letters to (1) include a statement of your interest in working with the SSCI specifically, and (2) address whether you are interested in one‑ or two‑year fellowships (or both), and the sources of external fellowship funding for which you intend to apply.WHAT YOU'LL DOReporting to a Co‑Director, the Fellow will focus on identifying and briefing cutting‑edge cases of constitutional importance in state supreme courts and, in appropriate circumstances, other state courts. The SSCI anticipates that the Fellow will devote a significant portion of the fellowship to litigation matters and other projects with the potential to (1) substantially expand access to justice in state courts, (2) establish more robust state constitutional equality protections, and/or (3) protect and expand the role of state constitutions and courts in promoting democracy and citizen participation.YOUR DAY TO DAYConduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation projectsDraft legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other legal pleadingsDevelop research, template arguments, and other resources to support the work of ACLU projects, affiliates, and cooperating attorneysDraft and edit public education and non‑litigation advocacy materialsProvide support and assistance to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneysEngage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences as neededFUTURE ACLU'ERS WILLBe committed to advancing the mission of the ACLUCenter 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 perspectivesBe committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflictsWHAT YOU'LL BRINGJ.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2027Admission to practice where based (NY or DC) is preferred; if not currently admitted, agreement to become admitted within one year of hire (for two‑year fellows)Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justiceWillingness to work closely with the State Supreme Court Initiative through the funding application processExcellent research, writing, and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact‑findingExcellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a teamSelf‑motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completionCOMPENSATIONThe 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: $96,069 - $120,0093‑5 years since law school graduation: $134,414 - $158,5796‑10 years since law school graduation: $165,839 - $187,08711‑15 years since law school graduation: $190,585 - $201,40316‑20 years since law school graduation: $203,304 - $208,54021‑25 years since law school graduation: $209,595 - $213,89026‑30+ years since law school graduation: $214,920 - $219,104The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. These salaries are reflective of positions based in NewYork, NY, where our National Offices are headquartered. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting. offer a broad range of benefits, which include:Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time‑off policyFocus on your well‑being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment)Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer matchWe support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshopsEEO & ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENTWith this commitment in mind, we strongly encourage 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 and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.#J-18808-Ljbffr

• 

• Government Careers