The ACLU seeks applicants for a full-time two-year fellowship position in the National Security Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY. This is a hybrid role that has an in-office requirement of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.
The National Security Project fights for people and communities harmed by the government in the name of national security, particularly people of color and other marginalized communities who are disproportionately targeted. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, the Project strives to ensure that people are able to participate fully in civic life and are free from discrimination, unwarranted suspicion and surveillance, unlawful force and detention, and the injustices and stigma that result from these abuses of national security policy. Recognizing the danger of expansive claims of state power, the Project advocates for a robust system of checks and balances, and policies that comply with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.
This is a two-year fellowship position that starts in Fall 2027.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by October 1, 2026.
Reporting to the Project Director and Deputy Project Director, the National Security Fellow will conduct impact litigation and advocacy to advance civil rights and liberties, and challenge harms in the national security context. The ACLU encourages individuals with limited post-law school experience to apply.
- Conduct legal research and analysis, fact development, and develop theories to support new litigation projects
- Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, declarations, motions, and briefs
- Interview and work with 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 and assistance to ACLU affiliates
- Help oversee and coordinate the summer internship program and student interns
- Engage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences as needed
- Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned
- 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
- J.D. degree 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
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and civil rights and liberties
- Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
- Experience, through personal connection or employment experience, working with marginalized communities whose civil rights and liberties are harmed by discriminatory or abusive national security policies
- Knowledge of and interest in civil liberties issues related to national security
- 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
- 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
Skills Required
- J.D. degree from a U.S. law school by Spring 2027
- Excellent legal research skills
- Excellent legal writing skills
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Skill performing complex legal analytical work
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Commitment to public interest law and civil rights and liberties
- Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
- Experience working with marginalized communities harmed by discriminatory or abusive national security policies
- Knowledge of and interest in national security civil liberties issues
What We Do
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan civil rights organization founded in 1920 that fights to safeguard everyone's rights across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.
