Job Description
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to defending and preserving the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. With over 100 years of history, the ACLU is a leading advocate for civil rights and civil liberties, with a strong focus on voting rights and racial justice. Currently, the organization is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual to join their team as a Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney in the Voting Rights Project.
The position offers a competitive salary, with a range of $89,250-$203,553 depending on experience and location. The role is a full-time position, with a hybrid work model that requires two days per week or eight days per month in the office. The successful candidate will work at the ACLU's National office in either New York, NY or Washington, D.C.
The Voting Rights Project was established in 1965 and has since litigated over 350 cases, successfully defending the gains in political participation won by voters of color through the Voting Rights Act. The project's mission is to build and defend an accessible, inclusive, and equitable democracy free from racial discrimination. The organization's work is guided by three principles: all Americans should be eligible to vote, voting should be free and easy, and all people should count equally.
The Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney will report to the Project Director or Deputy Project Directors and will work on priority issues of the project as needed. The role involves participating in litigation of constitutional and statutory cases, including researching and drafting pleadings, briefs, and legal memoranda, engaging in discovery and motion practice, and conducting evidentiary hearings and oral arguments in the trial and appellate courts. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to develop new cases, non-litigation advocacy projects, and identify and work with potential plaintiffs and witnesses.
Other responsibilities include providing technical assistance and expert legal advice to cooperating attorneys and others seeking assistance on voting rights litigation, legislation, and advocacy, as well as serving as a resource for ACLU legislative, policy, and campaign work. The Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney will also have the opportunity to engage in public speaking and articulating ACLU views to a variety of audiences, collaborate with staff across the organization, and travel as required for litigation, conferences, and client development.
The ideal candidate will have a J.D. degree, demonstrated litigation experience, and appropriate bar membership permitting practice in either New York or Washington, D.C. Familiarity with voting rights, racial justice, and other civil liberties and civil rights issues is preferred, and a commitment to those issues is essential. The successful candidate should have strong analytical, legal research, and writing skills, and be able to write and speak clearly and persuasively. They should also be self-motivated, diligent, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
The ACLU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, comprehensive healthcare benefits, a 401k plan with employer match, and opportunities for professional development and growth. The organization is committed to accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The ACLU also provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If selected for an interview, candidates will receive additional information on how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
In summary, the ACLU is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual to join their team as a Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney in the Voting Rights Project. The successful candidate will have a J.D. degree, demonstrated litigation experience, and appropriate bar membership, and be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU. They should also have strong analytical and communication skills and be able to work independently and collaboratively. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, and the organization is committed to accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
