Legal Fellow

New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation•New York, NY

3d•$90,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The NYCLU seeks an attorney with 2-5 years of experience for a two- or three-year internally funded legal fellowship. The Fellow will primarily work with Policy team members to support the immigration, policing, and/or criminal legal system reform policy dockets, though may also be staffed on work involving privacy and surveillance, protest, First Amendment rights, and defensive work. The NYCLU’s Policy Department implements and monitors legislative and policy initiatives across the state that implicate constitutional rights and liberties. The Policy Department drafts and supports affirmative legislation that advances constitutional freedoms, and opposes laws, rules, and policies that would compromise those freedoms. The work of the Policy Department includes (a) representing the NYCLU at the state legislative session in Albany, (b) monitoring and advocating before the New York City Council, (c) engaging in advocacy with other municipal bodies, in close collaboration with the NYCLU’s regional offices, and (d) engaging in rulemaking and implementation efforts. This work involves technical research, extensive written analysis and commentary, direct lobbying of and engagement with lawmakers and agency officials, collaboration with our Legal Department on litigation, collaboration with our Field Organizing team on campaign priorities, public education and testimony, supervision and management of personnel and campaign work, strategic communications and media in close collaboration with our colleagues from the Communications team, and coalition building that engages NYCLU members and allied organizations. The successful candidate will implement these strategies in advancing their docket. We are seeking a candidate who thrives in a collaborative organization and can skillfully handle diverse approaches to advance policy reform. The successful candidate is a creative thinker and collaborates well both internally and with external partners. Fellows must work closely with the NYCLU’s Policy, Legal, Field Organizing, and Communications Departments.

Requirements

J.D. degree.
2-5 years of experience in legal or public policy advocacy.
Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and civil liberties.
Initiative, vision, and ability to develop and implement short and long-term policy strategies utilizing a broad range of political and legal tactics.
Strong communications skills, including the ability to communicate in both writing and verbally to a variety of audiences.
Excellent research and analytical skills.
An understanding of the legislative process, and experience in organizing and working with coalitions to achieve public policy goals.
Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives and manage multiple issues at once in a fast-paced environment.
Strong project and time management skills, including a high level of organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Demonstrated experience engaging in creative problem solving, strategic flexibility, and good judgment.
Ability to develop allies and work collaboratively and diplomatically.
A strong commitment to diversity and a personal approach that values and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Willingness to travel within New York State for speaking events, meetings, and conferences.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal research and analysis on issues involving immigration, police reform, criminal legal system change, privacy and surveillance, protest, and First Amendment rights.
Engage in legislative and administrative advocacy, including by:
- developing legal and policy positions on local and state legislation, agency actions,
proposed rules, directives, and ballot measures.
- drafting and editing legislation and model policies.
- drafting comments to proposed rules and regulations.
- drafting public education materials, such as know your rights guides and public policy reports.
- writing and providing testimony; and
- sharing expertise with policymakers.
Work with Policy team members and other NYCLU departments and centers to advance the NYCLU’s public policy initiatives.
Represent the NYCLU in lobby visits, and at community events, coalition meetings, panels and rallies.
Assist in coordination of public events.
Respond to requests for support from NYCLU chapters and the public.
Actively support the NYCLU’s internal and external commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.