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

ACLU - National Office•New York, NY

53d•Hybrid

About The Position

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).

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy
Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment)
Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match
We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops

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