ABOUT THE JOBThe ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of
Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel in the
National Security Project of the ACLU's National office in
New York, NY. This is a
hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.
This is a two-year term-limited position. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).
WHAT YOU'LL DOReporting to the
Project Director, the
Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel will conduct strategic impact litigation and advocacy on priority issues of the Project.
YOUR DAY TO DAY- Engage in litigation through: legal research; fact development; working with clients and witnesses; drafting pleadings, briefs, and legal memoranda; discovery and motion practice; and conducting oral arguments in the trial and appellate courts
- Identify and develop new litigation and other advocacy projects by conducting factual, legal, and strategic analysis, and devising relevant theories and materials
- Analyze legislation for potential litigation
- Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative and policy work and advancing ACLU policy goals through public education, organizing, and participating in coalitions
- Collaborate with staff across the organization, including in other projects within the ACLU's Legal Department, Communications, Affiliate Support, National Political Advocacy Department, and state affiliates to advance Project priorities
- Engage in public speaking, including at conferences and with the media
- Work with and advise ACLU state affiliates and partner organizations
- Develop relationships with other advocates, lawyers, academics, and potential clients to further Project priorities
- Travel as required for litigation, conferences, and case and strategy development
- Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned
FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL - Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
- Center 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 perspectives
- Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts
WHAT YOU'LL BRING- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a U.S. law school is required, as is active Bar membership in New York
- A minimum of two years of complex civil litigation experience in federal courts
- Familiarity with constitutional litigation and statutory matters involving national security, civil liberties, and racial justice is preferred; commitment to these issues is essential
- Excellent legal research and writing skills
- Demonstrated ability to engage in complex legal analysis and fact investigation in impact litigation and policy advocacy settings
- Demonstrated ability to communicate legal concepts and arguments clearly and persuasively in written and verbal formats is essential
- Proven track record of project management and organizational skills, ability to work independently, maintain attention to detail, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines effectively
- Ability to foster and contribute to a collaborative team environment is essential
COMPENSATIONThe 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 - $120,009
- 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
The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. These salaries are reflective of positions based in New York, NY where are 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.
For details on our pay structure, please visit: https://www.aclu.org/careers/ACLU_Geographic_Pay_Structure-July_2024.pdf
At the ACLU, we offer a broad range of benefits, which include:
- Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy
- Focus 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 match
- We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops
