Fall 2027 Public Interest Legal Fellowships

About the role

The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM) is seeking applications for public interest legal fellowships, including those funded by Equal Justice Works, the Skadden Fellowship Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Justice Catalyst, and individual law schools. ACLUM works on civil rights and civil liberties issues, including free speech, immigrants' rights, criminal justice, reproductive rights, incarceration during COVID-19, transgender rights, open government, police accountability, government surveillance, racial justice, voting rights, democracy, and the separation of church and state.

Responsibilities

• Work with ACLUM’s Legal Director, managing attorneys, and staff attorneys on trial-level and appellate work.
• Focus on a particular issue or work on a range of issues, depending on the fellowship.
• Engage in litigation and non-litigation advocacy, including public education, legislative work, public speaking, community organizing, and investigation.
• Develop proposals tailored to address significant civil rights or civil liberties issues in consultation with ACLUM staff.

Qualifications

• Excellent legal research, writing, and analysis skills.
• Demonstrated familiarity with civil rights, civil liberties, and social justice issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, teamwork, and collaboration abilities.
• Self-motivated with proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong belief in the ACLU's mission and work to defend and strengthen civil rights and liberties.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

• $72,000 to $78,000 salary range.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Medical and dental insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Mileage reimbursement as per ACLUM policies.

About ACLUM

ACLUM, founded in 1920, is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and works on civil rights and civil liberties issues. ACLUM staff are unionized and this position will be within the bargaining unit. ACLUM is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, queer people, and formerly incarcerated individuals. ACLUM is based in Boston, MA and offers a hybrid work schedule, requiring an average of three days per week in the office.

Application Information

• Submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample (one for which you were the sole or primary author demonstrating legal analysis and writing skills), and a list of three references (two former or current direct supervisors and one colleague or peer).
• Your cover letter should include a 2–3 sentence description of a potential project in your intended issue area.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted no later than July 10, 2026, for fellowships with fall deadlines.