Njsbf Law Fellowship Sponsorship Opportunity

ACLU • Newark, NJ

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) invites third-year law students, judicial law clerks, and recent law graduates to pursue a New Jersey State Bar Foundation (NJSBF) sponsorship opportunity as a public interest law fellow focused on defending and advancing immigrants’ rights. The fellowship is contingent on receiving the NJSBF grant; ACLU-NJ does not have independent internal funding for the position.

As part of the ACLU-NJ legal department, the fellow will gain practical experience defending and expanding civil liberties and constitutional rights. Work may include lawsuits, client advocacy, public education about civil rights and liberties, and collaboration with policy and communications colleagues on legislation and public outreach. ACLU-NJ staff will work with the selected candidate to develop a joint project proposal for the NJSBF. The proposal will reflect the candidate’s interests and skills, include supervision and mentorship, align with ACLU-NJ priorities, and may combine legal advocacy and impact litigation, policy advocacy, community outreach, and public education. The candidate will work closely with ACLU-NJ to finalize and submit the joint proposal by December 1, 2026.

The position is based at ACLU-NJ’s Newark, New Jersey office. Staff work on a hybrid schedule, in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and must be available to participate in hearings, meetings, and other events within New Jersey. Compensation is on the same scale as staff attorneys, starting at $82,500 for a new law graduate. Applicants must meet NJSBF requirements, including sitting for the New Jersey bar exam and certifying that they plan to work or live in New Jersey after the fellowship.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until November 11, 2026. Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining a fellowship project proposal, resume, 5–10-page writing sample, and law school transcript. The NJSBF application also requires two letters of recommendation. The ACLU-NJ is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, values diversity and inclusion, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

• Be a third-year law student, judicial law clerk, or recent law graduate.
• Meet NJSBF fellowship requirements, including sitting for the New Jersey bar exam and certifying plans to work or live in New Jersey after the fellowship.
• Demonstrate commitment to civil rights and civil liberties and alignment with the ACLU-NJ mission.
• Be able to work independently, manage projects, collaborate, and contribute as part of a team.
• Be able to think critically and write clearly and accessibly.
• Have some litigation experience, such as through a clinic, internship, or clerkship, or policy advocacy experience.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to racial equity and understanding of how power manifests across race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, and socioeconomic circumstances.
• Submit a cover letter with a fellowship project proposal, resume, 5–10-page writing sample, and law school transcript; provide two letters of recommendation for the NJSBF application.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish or languages other than English is strongly encouraged.
• Applicants are invited to describe how their background or experiences could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of ACLU-NJ staff and advocacy work.

Responsibilities

• Defend and advance immigrants’ rights through public interest legal work.
• Work on lawsuits and engage in advocacy for clients.
• Educate New Jerseyans about their civil rights and liberties.
• Collaborate with policy and communications teams on legislation and public outreach.
• Work with ACLU-NJ staff to develop, finalize, and submit a joint fellowship project proposal to the NJSBF by December 1, 2026.
• Potentially contribute to legal advocacy and impact litigation, policy advocacy, community outreach, and public education.
• Participate in hearings, meetings, and other events within New Jersey.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed