Staff Attorney / Senior Staff Attorney

ACLU of DC • Washington, DC

1d • $115,875 - $134,415 • Hybrid

About The Position

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of the District of Columbia (ACLU-DC) seeks a full-time Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney for its hybrid workplace in Washington, DC. Residency in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia is a condition of employment. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

ACLU-DC protects, promotes, and advances constitutional and civil rights through litigation, legislative advocacy, communications, and public education. Its Legal Department handles impact litigation and a broad range of constitutional cases through direct representation and amicus briefs. The current docket includes matters involving systemic police reform, discrimination, the First Amendment, and policies and practices of the second Trump administration concerning immigration, trans rights, voting rights, federal workers’ rights, and freedom of speech.

Working under the supervision of the Legal Director, the attorney will investigate, research, develop, and pursue civil liberties and civil rights impact litigation across a broad range of issues. The attorney will serve as lead or co-counsel, collaborate with cooperating attorneys and advocacy partners, contribute to integrated advocacy strategies, and help mentor junior members of the Legal Department. The role also involves cross-department collaboration, public advocacy and outreach, and strengthening the Legal Department through mentorship and collaboration.

Requirements

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the D.C. Bar, or ability to obtain membership by passing the next D.C. Bar examination.
• 5–10 years of experience as a full-time attorney, including fellowships and clerkships.
• At least 3 years of civil litigation experience in federal, state, or territorial courts.
• Strong knowledge of constitutional law and civil rights.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills for legal and non-legal audiences.
• Experience interviewing and working with clients, potential clients, and witnesses.
• Experience serving as the primary author of court filings.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to engage respectfully in intellectual give-and-take, express an unpopular view, question consensus, and be persuaded by others.
• Ability to think strategically, manage competing priorities, and meet demanding deadlines.
• Ability to mentor and provide thoughtful, growth-oriented feedback to junior staff.
• Commitment to integrated advocacy combining litigation, public education, communications, and policy work.
• Ability to foster inclusive relationships and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to advancing ACLU-DC’s priorities and mission, and to equity, inclusion, belonging, and respectful collaboration.

Nice To Haves

• Experience litigating civil rights or civil liberties matters.
• Experience with impact litigation.
• Experience litigating complex cases, including class actions.
• Experience researching and briefing complex legal issues.
• Experience taking a lead role in civil discovery.
• Experience supervising law students, fellows, or attorneys.
• Nonprofit sector experience.
• Public speaking, media, or legislative testimony experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and the mission of ACLU-DC.
• Understanding of impact litigation as a tool for social change.
• Coalition-building and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with the District of Columbia.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, develop, and litigate civil liberties and civil rights cases in D.C. and federal court.
• Conduct factual and legal research and draft pleadings, motions, demand letters, appellate briefs, and amicus briefs.
• Conduct discovery, negotiate settlements, and present arguments in court.
• Assess requests for legal assistance and recommend appropriate cases for litigation.
• Research legal issues and contribute to litigation strategy.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to build ACLU-DC’s impact litigation docket.
• Represent ACLU-DC at speaking engagements, in media interviews, and through community outreach, including know-your-rights presentations.
• Help develop communications materials such as press releases, op-eds, blog posts, and social media content.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, coalition partners, law firms, and other advocates.
• Advise the Policy Department on legislative advocacy and the legal implications of proposed legislation.
• Prepare clients for media engagement and testify before legislative bodies when appropriate.
• Supervise, mentor, and support law students, interns, volunteer attorneys, and more junior attorneys, including providing strategic guidance and substantive feedback on litigation.
• Participate in hiring processes for legal and non-legal staff.
• Keep the Legal and Executive Directors informed about ongoing work and case developments.
• Assist with program activities, special projects, and other assigned duties.

Benefits

• Generous paid time-off and leave policies, including a 90-day paid sabbatical after five years of service.
• Employer-paid comprehensive healthcare benefits for employees and family members, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Employer-funded student loan repayment assistance.
• Annual professional development funds and internal professional development programs.

What This Job Offers

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