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

ACLU - National Office • New York, NY

11d • $96,069 - $219,104 • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks a Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel for the National Security Project in its National office in New York, NY. This full-time, two-year term-limited position is hybrid, with in-office requirements of two days per week or eight days per month, and is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

The National Security Project works to protect people and communities harmed by government action in the name of national security, particularly people of color and other marginalized communities disproportionately targeted. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, the Project seeks to ensure people can participate fully in civic life and are free from discrimination, unwarranted suspicion and surveillance, unlawful force and detention, and related injustices and stigma. The Project also advocates for checks and balances on expansive claims of state power and for policies consistent with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.

Reporting to the Project Director, the attorney will conduct strategic impact litigation and advocacy on the Project’s priority issues. The role includes litigation, developing new litigation and advocacy initiatives, legislative analysis, public education, collaboration with ACLU colleagues and state affiliates, public speaking, and relationship-building with advocates and potential clients. Travel is required as needed for litigation, conferences, and case and strategy development.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a U.S. law school.
• Active membership in the New York Bar.
• At least two years of complex civil litigation experience in federal courts.
• Commitment to issues involving national security, civil liberties, and racial justice.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact investigation in impact litigation and policy advocacy settings.
• Ability to communicate legal concepts and arguments clearly and persuasively in writing and verbally.
• Project management and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently, maintain attention to detail, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to contribute to and foster a collaborative team environment.
• Commitment to the ACLU’s mission, and to equity, inclusion, belonging, respectful collaboration, and resolving obstacles and conflicts.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with constitutional litigation and statutory matters involving national security, civil liberties, and racial justice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct litigation, including legal research, fact development, working with clients and witnesses, drafting pleadings, briefs and legal memoranda, discovery, motion practice, and oral arguments in trial and appellate courts.
• Identify and develop litigation and other advocacy projects through factual, legal, and strategic analysis and by devising relevant theories and materials.
• Analyze legislation for potential litigation.
• Support ACLU legislative and policy work and advance ACLU policy goals through public education, organizing, and coalition participation.
• Collaborate with staff across the organization, including the Legal Department, Communications, Affiliate Support, the National Political Advocacy Department, and state affiliates.
• Engage in public speaking, including at conferences and with the media.
• Work with and advise ACLU state affiliates and partner organizations.
• Develop relationships with 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 perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time-off policy.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Parental leave.
• Gender-affirming care and fertility treatment.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs, and workshops.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree