NJSBF LAW FELLOWSHIP SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

ACLU of New Jersey • Newark, NJ

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

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

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 teams on legislation and public outreach. ACLU-NJ staff will work with the selected candidate to develop and submit a joint fellowship proposal centered on protecting and advancing immigrants’ rights and aligned with the candidate’s interests and skills and ACLU-NJ priorities. Projects may combine legal advocacy and impact litigation, policy advocacy, community outreach, and public education, with appropriate supervision and mentorship.

The position is based at the ACLU-NJ office in Newark, New Jersey. Staff work a hybrid schedule, in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and must be available to participate in hearings, meetings, and other events within New Jersey. The fellow is expected to work closely with ACLU-NJ to finalize and submit the joint project proposal to NJSBF by December 1, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through November 11, 2026. Compensation starts at $82,500 for a new law graduate, on the same scale as staff attorneys.

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. Application materials include a cover letter outlining a fellowship project proposal, resume, 5–10 page writing sample, and law school transcript. NJSBF applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation.

Requirements

• Be a third-year law student, judicial law clerk, or recent law graduate as described in the posting.
• Meet NJSBF requirements, including sitting for the New Jersey bar exam and certifying an intention to work or live in New Jersey after the fellowship.
• Have a commitment to civil rights and civil liberties and alignment with ACLU-NJ’s 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 understand how power is manifested across race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, and socioeconomic circumstances.
• Submit a cover letter outlining a fellowship project proposal, resume, 5–10 page writing sample, and law school transcript.
• Submit two letters of recommendation as part of the NJSBF application.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish or languages other than English is strongly encouraged.
• Experience or background that could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of ACLU-NJ staff and advocacy work.

Responsibilities

• Defend and expand civil liberties and constitutional rights, with a focus on immigrants’ rights.
• Work on lawsuits and advocate 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 craft and submit a joint fellowship project proposal aligned with the candidate’s interests and ACLU-NJ priorities.
• Participate in hearings, meetings, and other events within New Jersey.
• Work closely with ACLU-NJ to finalize and submit the joint project proposal to NJSBF by December 1, 2026.

What This Job Offers

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