Paralegal, Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Paralegal in the Program on Freedom Religion and Belief of the ACLU’s National office in Washington, DC. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. 

From its earliest days supporting conscientious objectors to war and defending John Scopes in the infamous “Monkey Trial” of 1925, the ACLU has worked tirelessly to defend the right to religious liberty nationwide. Today, the national ACLU’s Program on Freedom Religion and Belief protects this fundamental right by helping to ensure that governmental laws and practices neither promote religion nor interfere with its free exercise. The Program fights to preserve religious freedom and the right of individual conscience through an integrated strategy of litigation, education, and public advocacy.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

Reporting to the Project Director, the Paralegal will be a core member of a collaborative, dedicated team working to advance the ACLU’s mission to advance and protect the freedom of religion and belief.

• Cite-check, format, and proofread documents, including legal briefs, memoranda, demand letters, and other correspondence 
• Conduct legal research and monitor cases on Westlaw 
• Assist in carrying out other litigation-related tasks, including editing discovery requests and responses, reviewing evidence, and preparing for depositions 
• Conduct Internet and other factual research in connection with prospective or ongoing litigation, policy matters, or public education efforts 
• Work with the Program attorneys to track state legislation and conduct related research 
• Maintain and ensure the accuracy of the Program’s litigation docket and calendar, and organize and maintain litigation and policy files 
• Assist in the development and maintenance of the Program’s website and other public information outlets. 
• Perform job-related special projects, support other legal department projects, and other duties as assigned by the Director and other Program staff 
• Receive requests for legal assistance and ensure timely responses to inquiries 
• Work with other national ACLU projects, ACLU state affiliates nationwide, and allies 
• Assist Program staff regarding strategic planning and related matters 
• Work on special projects and other duties as assigned by the Project Director 

• 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

• Excellent research skills, including Internet research 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Must take initiative, be highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess strong interpersonal and time-management skills 
• Strong computer skills with advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) 
• Basic knowledge of Westlaw is preferred 
• Experience creating tables of contents, tables of authorities, and mail merges 
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team 

For over 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it’s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people.

We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just their work, but to their overall well-being. 

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

Accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. For us diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are not just check-the-box activities, but a chance for us to make long-term meaningful change.  We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization – one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. We are as committed to anti-oppression, anti-ableism, and anti-racism internally as we are externally. Because whether we’re in the courts or in the office, we believe ‘We the People’ means all of us.

With 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.    

The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please complete the Accommodation Request Form

If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.