Job Description
Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Reform Project
Join to apply for the Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel role at ACLU .
About the Job
The ACLU seeks applicants for the term‑limited, full‑time position of Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel in the Criminal Law Reform Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY , Washington D.C. , or San Francisco, CA . This is a 2‑year, term‑limited position. The role is hybrid, requiring in‑office presence two days per week or eight 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. It uses litigation and advocacy to confront systemic government conduct fueling the carceral state and police abuse, and to oppose oppression based on race, class, and other characteristics.
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).
What You’ll Do
Reporting to the Director or Deputy Director for Policing, the Staff Attorney will pursue impact litigation and integrated advocacy aimed at challenging systemic misconduct by federal and state law enforcement agents, and may contribute to other CLRP docket areas as needed.
YOUR DAY TO DAY
Litigation and Advocacy
Lead and contribute to impact litigation in state and federal courts, including investigating potential lawsuits, researching and drafting pleadings and briefs, engaging in discovery and motion practice, and conducting evidentiary hearings, oral arguments, trials, and appeals.
Maintain a docket of active and developing lawsuits challenging illegal and unconstitutional practices by law enforcement agents.
Provide legal and strategic advice to local ACLU affiliates, cooperating attorneys, and partners on litigation.
Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative and policy work, advancing policy goals through public education, advocacy, and coalition participation.
Collaborate across departments (Communications, Political Advocacy, Data & Analytics, Affiliate Support) to develop integrated strategies.
Represent CLRP in public forums and media, articulating legal and policy visions to diverse audiences.
Staffing and Management
Support hiring, onboarding, and development of new team members.
Mentor junior attorneys, interns, and fellows, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
Future ACLU'ers will be committed to advancing the ACLU mission, embedding equity, inclusion, and belonging, and collaborating respectfully to resolve obstacles.
What You’ll Bring
J.D. degree and bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; if not admitted to the bar in NY, DC, or SF, willingness to gain admission within one year of hire.
8–15 years of experience for Senior Staff Attorney; 16+ years for Senior Counsel.
Demonstrated civil litigation skills, including drafting complaints, briefs, and discovery.
Strong fact‑finding and investigative capabilities.
Experience working with litigation and/or project teams, developing clear goals, strategies, processes, and accountability.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams in a cross‑departmental structure.
Commitment to criminal and racial justice.
Excellent legal analytical, research, and writing skills.
Willingness to travel as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Leadership experience, such as lead counsel on a litigation or project team.
Familiarity with Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
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 (e.g., civil rights class actions).
Experience working with or representing vulnerable clients in the criminal legal system.
Deposition, trial, or hearing experience, or appellate litigation experience.
Experience with press strategies for advocacy (press releases, op‑eds, TV appearances).
Compensation
The ACLU’s litigator scale sets pay based on years since law school graduation, ranging from $92,374–$210,677 across levels. Salary is commensurate with location (NY), with regional adjustments for other sites.
WHY THE ACLU
For over 100 years, the ACLU has defended and preserved the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and U.S. laws, and continues to pursue justice for all through robust litigation and advocacy.
Benefits
Generous paid time‑off policy.
Comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision, parental leave, gender‑affirming care, fertility treatment).
401(k) plan with employer match.
Professional development funds, internal programs, and workshops.
OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
Accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the ACLU. We are committed to learning, growth, humility, grace, transparency, and accountability, and to creating a culture of belonging for all people.
We actively encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, nationality, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
The ACLU provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are qualified with a disability and need assistance applying online, email benefits.hrdept@aclu.org. If selected for an interview, additional information will be provided for interview accommodations.
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Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Local area, 2 days per week,