Externally-Funded Legal Department Fellowship (Starting Fall 2027) - ACLU-IL

Print PRINT Print this to take with you SHARE Share this page to social media channels Facebook Twitter Copy Link LinkedIn QUICK EXIT Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity. DONATE Help ILAO open opportunities for justice Externally-Funded Legal Department Fellowship (Starting Fall 2027) Organization ACLU-IL 150 N. Michigan Chicago, IL 60601 United States Remote Or Telecommuting Some remote allowed Visit website Job Description The ACLU of Illinois works to advance civil liberties throughout Illinois. Our work includes protecting democracy by advancing First Amendment rights, government transparency, and voting rights; protecting the rights of immigrants; fighting institutional and structural racism that undermines civil rights and civil liberties, including in the criminal and civil legal systems and immigration; protecting the rights of women and people in the LGBTQIA+ community, including the right to reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy and gender-affirming care; and fighting to enforce the rights of people in government care, including children in foster care and people in prisons, jails, and juvenile detention facilities. The fellow would assist in the following: (1) develop and support affirmative litigation to advance civil rights and liberties; (2) write amicus briefs; (3) analyze legislation to enhance civil rights and liberties; and (4) conduct outreach for clients and meet and collaborate with community members and partner organizations. The Legal Department’s managers will supervise the fellow to support new and ongoing impact litigation and non-litigation advocacy done in collaboration with other Departments. Previous fellows have had the opportunity to develop facts and research for new litigation; work with current and potential clients; participate in discovery and hearings in pending litigation; conduct legal and policy research on a variety of issues; participate in settlement negotiations; draft sections of legal briefs and complaints; and collaborate with grassroots and community-based organizations. The Legal Department is open to targeted project proposals for potential fellowships at whatever level of specificity the relevant external funding source requires, and will work with the potential fellow as necessary to develop their project proposal and secure funding. ACLU of Illinois staff are based in Chicago, IL. Currently, we are working on a hybrid basis with a minimum of three days per week in the office. The fellow will be expected to work in our Chicago office, on a hybrid schedule, beginning on a date to be determined in September 2027. Qualifications All applicants must have: A juris doctorate (J.D.) by Spring 2027Be admitted to practice in Illinois, be willing to waive into the Illinois Bar or plan to take the Illinois Bar exam in July 2027 Pay scale and benefits Pay scale and benefits Externally Funded Position type Fellowship