Fall 2027 National Security Fellowship, National Security Project

New York, New York, United States. Posted 2 months ago

The role

The National Security Fellow will conduct impact litigation and advocacy to advance civil rights and liberties. This role involves legal research, drafting legal documents, and working with witnesses and clients.

What you will do

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
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

Required qualifications

J.D. degree from a U.S. law school (by Spring 2027)
Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work

Nice to have

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 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

Benefits

Generous paid time-off policy
Comprehensive healthcare benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage
Parental leave
Gender affirming care & fertility treatment
401k plan and employer match
Annual professional development funds
Internal professional development programs and workshops

Before you apply

Priority consideration given to applications submitted by October 1, 2026

About the company

The ACLU has worked for over 100 years to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.