Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Criminal Law Reform Project

ABOUT THE JOB 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/ two year(s) . The Criminal Law Reform Project of the National office in New York, NY, or San Francisco, CA, 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. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. OVERVIEW 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. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU). WHAT YOU'LL DO Reporting to the Project Director and/ or Deputy Project Director, the Fellow will advance our work challenging overloaded public defense systems that fail to provide indigent people with constitutionally adequate representation. The Fellow will pursue litigation and advocacy opportunities in multiple jurisdictions in both state and federal courts. YOUR DAY TO DAY 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 FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts WHAT YOU'LL BRING 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 Criminal Law Reform Project throug h 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 COMPENSATION The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The range of salaries are the following, based on year of law school graduation (please consult the hiring manager for specific salary details, based on individual circumstances). 0-