ABOUT THE JOB

The 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.

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

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Reporting 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

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)