ACLU
Fall 2026 Fellowship Sponsorship, Disability Rights Program
ACLU, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
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
Disability Rights Project
of the National office in
San Francisco, CA or Washington, D.C.
seeks applicants for a
sponsored fellowship
such as Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in fall 2026. This is a
hybrid role
requiring in-office presence of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. OVERVIEW Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those submitted by
June 27, 2025 . Please tailor your cover letter to include a proposed project. Candidates can propose projects in areas such as AI and algorithmic discrimination against people with disabilities, discrimination against people with mental health and substance use disorders in the criminal legal system, or disability challenges to voter suppression laws. Proposals on other disability and civil liberties topics are also welcome. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit, represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU). WHAT YOU'LL DO Reporting to the Project Director, the Fellow will focus on litigation projects related to: AI and algorithmic discrimination against people with disabilities Discrimination against people with mental health and substance use disorders in the criminal legal system Disability challenges to voter suppression laws Or other topics related to disability and civil liberties YOUR DAY TO DAY Conduct legal research and develop theories for litigation 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 advocacy materials Support ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys Help manage the summer legal internship program and supervise interns Engage in public speaking and attend meetings/conferences as needed FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL Be committed to advancing the ACLU's mission Embed principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work Work collaboratively and respectfully to resolve obstacles and conflicts WHAT YOU'LL BRING J.D. or expected J.D. by spring 2026 Commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, disability rights, and the disability community Willingness to work with the Disability Rights Project during the funding application process Excellent research, writing, and communication skills Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding Interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in a team Self-motivated, able to manage tasks and see projects through COMPENSATION The ACLU offers a salary scale based on years since law school graduation, with ranges from $92,374 to over $210,677. Salaries are based in New York, NY, with regional adjustments possible. For details, visit:
https://www.aclu.org/careers/ACLU_Geographic_Pay_Structure-July_2024.pdf WHY THE ACLU For over 100 years, the ACLU has defended individual rights and liberties, tackling issues like mass incarceration, LGBTQ+ equality, digital privacy, voting rights, and reproductive rights. We value our people and offer benefits including paid time off, comprehensive healthcare, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION We are committed to creating a culture of belonging that respects and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, or criminal record. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For assistance, email
benefits.hrdept@aclu.org .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Disability Rights Project
of the National office in
San Francisco, CA or Washington, D.C.
seeks applicants for a
sponsored fellowship
such as Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in fall 2026. This is a
hybrid role
requiring in-office presence of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. OVERVIEW Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those submitted by
June 27, 2025 . Please tailor your cover letter to include a proposed project. Candidates can propose projects in areas such as AI and algorithmic discrimination against people with disabilities, discrimination against people with mental health and substance use disorders in the criminal legal system, or disability challenges to voter suppression laws. Proposals on other disability and civil liberties topics are also welcome. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit, represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU). WHAT YOU'LL DO Reporting to the Project Director, the Fellow will focus on litigation projects related to: AI and algorithmic discrimination against people with disabilities Discrimination against people with mental health and substance use disorders in the criminal legal system Disability challenges to voter suppression laws Or other topics related to disability and civil liberties YOUR DAY TO DAY Conduct legal research and develop theories for litigation 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 advocacy materials Support ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys Help manage the summer legal internship program and supervise interns Engage in public speaking and attend meetings/conferences as needed FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL Be committed to advancing the ACLU's mission Embed principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work Work collaboratively and respectfully to resolve obstacles and conflicts WHAT YOU'LL BRING J.D. or expected J.D. by spring 2026 Commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, disability rights, and the disability community Willingness to work with the Disability Rights Project during the funding application process Excellent research, writing, and communication skills Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding Interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in a team Self-motivated, able to manage tasks and see projects through COMPENSATION The ACLU offers a salary scale based on years since law school graduation, with ranges from $92,374 to over $210,677. Salaries are based in New York, NY, with regional adjustments possible. For details, visit:
https://www.aclu.org/careers/ACLU_Geographic_Pay_Structure-July_2024.pdf WHY THE ACLU For over 100 years, the ACLU has defended individual rights and liberties, tackling issues like mass incarceration, LGBTQ+ equality, digital privacy, voting rights, and reproductive rights. We value our people and offer benefits including paid time off, comprehensive healthcare, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION We are committed to creating a culture of belonging that respects and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, or criminal record. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For assistance, email
benefits.hrdept@aclu.org .
#J-18808-Ljbffr