Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Women's Rights Project

ABOUT THE JOB The ACLU's Women's Rights Project invites rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity such as Equal Justice Works to work with us as a Legal Fellow for up to two years beginning in Fall 2027. This is a hybrid role in the ACLU's National Office in New York, NY that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. Since its founding by Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 1972, WRP has been a trailblazer in fighting for gender equity under law. We engage in systemic legal reform to ensure that everyone has the freedom to live, work, and learn free from stereotypes, harassment, and violence based on sex. Recent WRP work includes fighting the mass eviction crisis and other unfair housing practices that disproportionately lock out women, particularly Black women, from housing opportunities; challenging employment rules that penalize workers for their pregnancies or push them out of the paid workforce altogether; and fighting dress codes that perpetuate stereotypes and punish students and workers based on race and sex. Currently, WRP is preparing to challenge new and threatened federal measures that seek reversion to impermissible gender discrimination while also advancing our proactive and inclusive vision of gender justice where possible. Doing gender justice work as part of the broad civil liberties and civil rights agenda of the ACLU reflects the reality that women are part of other social change movements and that we must work together if we are to achieve a just society for all. OVERVIEW Please include in your cover letter a brief proposal for a fellowship project that you would be excited to bring to WRP. We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June 15, 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 Deputy Project Director , the Legal Fellow will be focused on designing and carrying out their sponsored fellowship project as well as assisting on WRP's litigation, legislative and policy advocacy, and public education to further the ACLU's strategic goals. 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 practice in New York; if not currently admitted, agreement to become admitted within one year of hire Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, and gender equity Willingness to work closely with the Women's Rights Project through 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 f