Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Immigrants' Rights Project

Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by June 18, 2026. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

About the role

The ACLU invites rising third-year law students and law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity to work with the Immigrants' Rights Project (IRP) as a Legal Fellow for two years. The IRP seeks applicants for a sponsored fellowship (such as Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships) to begin in the fall of 2027. This hybrid role requires in-office work two days per week or eight days per month in either New York, NY or San Francisco, CA.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Project Director, the Legal Fellow will focus on one of the following areas:

• Opposing immigration apprehension tactics that violate the Constitution and federal law, fueling mass deportations. This includes:
  • Developing and litigating challenges to ICE and CBP mass arrests, particularly worksite raids
  • Addressing DHS enforcement tactics such as traffic checkpoints and unconstitutional racial profiling
  • Challenging state and local law enforcement’s participation in federal deportation efforts
  • Focusing on Fourth and Fifth Amendment violations and actions exceeding statutory authority
• Holding federal immigration enforcement officers accountable for abuse of immigrants' rights through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This includes:
  • Developing and leading a coordinated FTCA litigation strategy across ACLU affiliates
  • Litigating cases for immigrants whose rights have been violated by federal agents

Daily responsibilities include:

• Litigating immigrants’ rights cases, including legal research, fact development, client interactions, drafting pleadings and briefs, discovery, motion practice, and conducting hearings and oral arguments
• Conducting legal research and analysis to support new litigation and advocacy projects
• Collaborating with ACLU’s Communications and National Political Advocacy Departments to develop public education and advocacy materials
• Articulating ACLU views through public speaking, traditional and social media, and other platforms
• Advising ACLU state affiliates and partner organizations on immigrants’ rights issues
• Managing the summer legal internship program and supervising student interns
• Traveling as required for litigation, conferences, and advocacy opportunities
• Engaging in special projects and other duties as assigned

Requirements

• J.D. or expected J.D. by spring 2027
• Admission to practice in New York or California; 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 Immigrants' Rights Project through the funding application process
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and within a team
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple tasks and see projects through to completion

Pay

The ACLU uses a litigator scale to determine pay for attorneys in the Legal Department. Salaries are based on years since law school graduation and are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorized to work outside New York, NY. The salary ranges are as follows:

• 0-2 years: $96,069 - $120,090
• 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

For details on the ACLU’s pay structure, visit ACLU Geographic Pay Structure.

Benefits

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

About the ACLU

For over 100 years, the ACLU has defended and preserved individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. The organization tackles civil liberties issues such as ending mass incarceration, achieving equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing digital privacy protections, and preserving voting and reproductive rights.

The ACLU values its employees and offers a supportive work environment focused on well-being, growth, and development. The organization is committed to accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion, embedding these principles in its work and culture.