Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney, Senior Counsel, National Security Project

ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time, term-limited position of Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney or Senior Counsel in the National Security Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY.  

This is a two-year, limited-term position that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. 

The National Security Project fights for people and communities harmed by the government in the name of national security, particularly people of color and other marginalized communities who are disproportionately targeted. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, the Project strives to ensure that people are able to participate fully in civic life and are free from discrimination, unwarranted suspicion and surveillance, unlawful force and detention, and the injustices and stigma that result from these abuses of national security policy.  Recognizing the danger of expansive claims of state power, the Project advocates for a robust system of checks and balances, and policies that comply with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.

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, the Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney or Senior Counsel will be responsible for conducting strategic impact litigation and advocacy on priority issues of the Project.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

• Engage in litigation through: legal research; fact development; working with clients and witnesses; drafting pleadings, briefs, and legal memoranda; discovery and motion practice; and conducting oral arguments in the trial and appellate courts
• Identify and develop new litigation and other advocacy projects by conducting factual, legal, and strategic analysis, and devising relevant theories and materials
• Analyze legislation for potential litigation
• Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative and policy work and advancing ACLU policy goals through public education, organizing, and participating in coalitions
• Collaborate with staff across the organization, including in other projects within the ACLU’s Legal Department, Communications, Affiliate Support, National Political Advocacy Department, and state affiliates to advance Project priorities
• Engage in public speaking, including at conferences and with the media
• Work with and advise ACLU state affiliates and partner organizations
• Develop relationships with other advocates, lawyers, academics, and potential clients to further Project priorities
• Travel as required for litigation, conferences, and case and strategy development
• 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

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a U.S. law school is required
• A minimum of two years of litigation experience is preferred.
• Admission to the New York Bar is a requirement. Candidates not yet admitted in New York must possess admission to the bar of another U.S. jurisdiction and commit to obtaining New York admission within one year of the date of hire
• Familiarity with constitutional litigation and statutory matters involving national security, civil liberties, and racial justice is preferred; commitment to these issues is essential
• Excellent legal research and writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate legal concepts and arguments clearly and persuasively in written and verbal formats is essential
• Ability to engage in complex legal analysis and fact investigation in impact litigation and policy advocacy settings
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently, maintain attention to detail, and consistently meet deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Ability to foster and contribute to a collaborative team environment is essential

COMPENSATION

The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. ...