William J. Brennan Fellowship, Speech, Privacy & Technology Project

Two-year, full-time fellowship in the Speech, Privacy and Technology Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY. Starts Fall 2027; priority deadline October 1, 2026.

About the role

The Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project is dedicated to protecting and expanding the First Amendment freedoms of expression, association, and inquiry; expanding the right to privacy and increasing the control that individuals have over their personal information; and ensuring that civil liberties are enhanced rather than compromised by new advances in science and technology.

The project is currently litigating cases and conducting other advocacy efforts on issues including political protest, freedom of expression online, privacy of electronic information, journalists’ rights, scientific and academic freedom, the free speech rights of noncitizens, openness in the courts, privacy rights at the border, and the impact of big data and algorithmic decision-making.

The Brennan Fellowship, established by a special gift and named after retired Supreme Court Justice William Brennan, offers early-career attorneys training and experience in First Amendment advocacy while advancing the ACLU’s First Amendment goals.

Responsibilities

• Participate in litigation at all levels of federal and state courts, including conducting legal and factual research, interviewing clients, drafting briefs and pleadings, and assisting in discovery and motion practice
• Assist in drafting amicus curiae briefs
• Provide support for ACLU affiliate litigation
• Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative and policy work
• Advance ACLU policy goals through public education and through organizing and participating in coalitions
• Help manage summer legal internship program and supervise student interns
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned

Requirements

• J.D. (or an expectation of receiving one by the Spring of 2027)
• Commitment to the mission of the ACLU
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity within the office using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences in regards to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and socio-economic circumstance
• Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts
• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Skill at performing complex legal analytical work
• Demonstrated commitment to public-interest law
• Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
• Ability to self-start and excellent interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of First and/or Fourth Amendment issues (preferred, but not required)

Pay

ACLU litigator scale based on years since law school graduation (New York, NY salaries; locality adjustment may apply if authorized to work outside New York):

• 0-2 years: $85,000–$106,182
• 3-5 years: $118,927–$140,309
• 6-10 years: $146,732–$165,531
• 11-15 years: $168,627–$178,198
• 16-20 years: $179,880–$184,512
• 21-25 years: $185,447–$189,246
• 26-30+ years: $190,158–$193,860