About the position
The ACLU's is seeking a passionate and mission-driven attorney to join our team as a Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel in the Criminal Law Reform Project of the ACLU's National office in New York, NY. This is a hybrid position, with in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. 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. Ultimately, we seek to shift power to under-resourced communities and to elevate approaches to justice and safety that advance fundamental rights for all. CLRP partners closely with our affiliates across the country and with other ACLU departments to build a movement for social change, promote racial justice, and win reforms needed to significantly reduce our nation’s incarcerated population. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).
Responsibilities
- Lead and contribute to impact litigation in state and federal courts across the U.S.
- Research and draft pleadings and briefs, engage in discovery and motion practice, and conduct evidentiary hearings, oral arguments, trials and appeals.
- Maintain a docket of active and developing lawsuits challenging unconstitutional pretrial systems and laws.
- 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, and 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.
- Support hiring, onboarding, and development of new team members.
- Mentor junior attorneys, interns, and fellows, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
Requirements
- J.D. degree and bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; if not admitted in New York, willingness to gain admission within one year of hire.
- 8-15 years of experience for the title of Senior Staff Attorney and 16+ years for 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, including development of clear goals, strategy, team processes and communication, and accountability.
- Value and excel at working with a wide range of people while fostering a collaborative, respectful team environment.
- Thrive in a complex, cross-departmental structure, particularly with respect to identifying and leveraging organizational resources.
- Familiarity with and commitment to criminal and racial justice.
- Excellent legal analytical, research, and writing skills.
- Willingness to travel as needed.
Nice-to-haves
- At least 5 years’ post-JD experience (including clerkships and fellowships).
- Demonstrated leadership skills, for instance serving as lead counsel on a litigation or project team.
- Familiarity with law and policy relating to bail and the right to pretrial release.
- Ability to develop novel litigation theories to challenge criminal legal abuses.
- Experience with data analysis as an advocacy or litigation tool.
- Experience with complex litigation, such as civil rights class actions or other forms of impact litigation.
- Skill working with or representing vulnerable clients, particularly those involved in the criminal legal system.
- Deposition, trial, or hearing experience, or experience at oral argument or appellate litigation.
- Experience with press strategies for advocacy, such as drafting press releases, and op-eds, or conducting television appearances.
Benefits
- Generous paid time-off policy.
- Comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment).
- 401k plan and employer match.
- Annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops.
