Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Criminal Law Reform Project

This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month in either New York, NY, or San Francisco, CA.

About the role

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 or two years. The Criminal Law Reform Project of the National office 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.

The Criminal Law Reform Project’s mission is to advocate for the constitutional and civil rights of those impacted by criminal legal systems. We use litigation and advocacy to confront systemic government conduct that fuels the carceral state and police abuse, and oppresses people based on race, class, and other characteristics. CLRP does this work because everyone suspected, accused, or convicted of a crime deserves dignity, fairness, and an opportunity to thrive. Ultimately, we seek to shift power to under-resourced communities and to elevate approaches to justice and safety that advance fundamental rights for all. CLRP partners closely with our affiliates across the country and with other ACLU departments to build a movement for social change, promote racial justice, and win reforms needed to significantly reduce our nation’s incarcerated population.

We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by July 1, 2026. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

Responsibilities

• Advance our work challenging overloaded public defense systems that fail to provide indigent people with constitutionally adequate representation through litigation and advocacy in multiple jurisdictions in both state and federal courts.
• Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation projects.
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs.
• Interview witnesses and potential clients.
• Participate in discovery and trial practice.
• Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials.
• Provide support and assistance to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys.
• Help manage summer legal internship program and supervise student interns.
• Engage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences as needed.
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2027.
• Admission to a state bar; if not currently admitted, agreement to become admitted within one year of hire.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justice.
• Willingness to work closely with the Criminal Law Reform Project 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.

Skills

• Committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU and embedding the principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work.
• Committed to working collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.

Pay

The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The range of salaries are the following, based on years since law school graduation:

• 0-2 years: $96,069 - $120,009
• 3-5 years: $134,414 - $158,579
• 6-10 years: $165,839 - $187,087
• 11-15 years: $190,585 - $201,403
• 16-20 years: $203,304 - $208,540
• 21-25 years: $209,595 - $213,890
• 26-30+ years: $214,920 - $219,104

These salaries are reflective of positions based in New York, NY. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting. Details on our pay structure.

Benefits

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