Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Reform Project (Term-Limited)

ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel in the Criminal Law Reform Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. 

This is a 2-year, limited term position. 

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.  

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

Reporting to the Director or the Deputy Director for Policing, this role offers a unique opportunity to pursue impact litigation and integrated advocacy aimed at challenging systemic misconduct by federal and state law enforcement agents in carrying out the Trump Administration’s mass incarceration and deportation agendas.  The role may also contribute to other areas of CLRP’s docket as necessary. 

This is an ideal opportunity for an attorney committed to racial justice, transformative change, and the power of legal advocacy to shift narratives and systems.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

Litigation and Advocacy 

• Lead and contribute to impact litigation in state and federal courts across the U.S., including investigating potential lawsuits, researching and drafting pleadings and briefs, engaging in discovery and motion practice, and conducting evidentiary hearings, oral arguments, trials and appeals 
• Maintain a docket of active and developing lawsuits challenging illegal and unconstitutional practices by federal and state law enforcement agents 
• Provide legal and strategic advice to local ACLU affiliates, cooperating attorneys, and other partners on litigation  
• Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative and policy work, as well as advance ACLU policy goals through public education, advocacy and participating in coalitions 
• Collaborate across departments—Communications, Political Advocacy, Data & Analytics, and Affiliate Support to develop integrated strategies 
• Represent CLRP in public forums and media, articulating legal and policy visions to a variety of audiences 

Staffing and Management 

• Support hiring, onboarding, and development of new team members 
• Mentor junior attorneys, interns, and fellows, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture 

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. degree and bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.  
  • Those with 8-15 years of experience will have the title of Senior Staff Attorney and those with 16+ years of experience will have the title of Senior Counsel.  
• Demonstrated civil litigation skills and experience, including drafting complaints and briefs and conducting discovery 
• Strong ability to conduct thorough and goal-oriented fact-finding and investigation 
• Skilled in working with litigation and/or project teams, includin...