Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney or Senior Counsel, Immigrants' Rights Project [Term-Limited]
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is seeking a dedicated attorney to join its Immigrants' Rights Project as a Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel. This full-time, term-limited position is based in either New York, NY, or San Francisco, CA, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring in-office presence two days per week. The Immigrants' Rights Project is a national initiative committed to protecting the civil rights and liberties of immigrants through impact litigation, advocacy, and public outreach.
The selected candidate will be responsible for identifying and developing new litigation and advocacy projects by conducting comprehensive factual, legal, and strategic analyses. Key duties include litigating immigrants' rights cases in federal and state courts, engaging in legal research, drafting pleadings and briefs, conducting discovery and motion practice, and presenting oral arguments. Additionally, the attorney will collaborate with ACLU colleagues to develop public education materials, provide technical assistance to affiliates and partner organizations, and engage in public speaking to articulate the ACLU's positions on immigrants' rights issues.
Applicants must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and active bar membership. A minimum of two years of complex civil litigation experience in federal courts is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent legal research and writing skills, the ability to perform complex legal analyses, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Fluency in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken by immigrants in the U.S. is strongly preferred, as is experience working within immigrant community settings.
The ACLU offers a competitive compensation package, with salaries determined based on the year of law school graduation. For example, attorneys with 0-2 years since graduation can expect a salary range of $96,069 to $120,009, while those with 3-5 years can expect between $134,414 and $158,579. The organization also provides comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage, and a 401(k) plan with employer match.
Joining the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful litigation and advocacy efforts that defend and expand the rights of immigrants. The organization fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, emphasizing equity, inclusion, and belonging. Attorneys will have the chance to work on high-profile cases, engage with diverse communities, and play a pivotal role in advancing civil liberties and human rights.