Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, State Supreme Court Initiative

ABOUT THE JOB

The 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/ two year(s). The State Supreme Court Initiative of the National office in New York City or Washington, 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.

OVERVIEW

We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June 17, 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.

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

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Reporting 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 DAY

• Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation projects
• Draft legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other legal pleadings
• Develop research, template arguments, and other resources to support the work of ACLU projects, affiliates, and cooperating attorneys
• Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials
• Provide support and assistance to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys
• Engage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences as needed

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

• J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2027
• Admission 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 justice
• Willingness to work closely with the State Supreme Court Initiative through the funding application process
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion

COMPENSATION

The 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).