Legal Fellow at New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation

New York, New York, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Mar, 26

Salary

105000.0

Posted On

20 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Legal Research, Policy Advocacy, Legislative Process, Public Speaking, Coalition Building, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Project Management, Time Management, Creative Problem Solving, Diversity and Inclusion, Strategic Initiatives, Public Education, Testimony Writing, Community Engagement, Lobbying

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Description Position: Legal Fellow Department: Policy Terms of Employment: Full-Time/ Exempt/Union 2320/Post Grad (NYCLU funded 2-3 Years). NYCLU staff are currently working in a hybrid model; a number of in-person days will be required. Location: 55 Broadway, New York, NY 10006 Salary: $90,000 - $105,000 (2 – 5 Years Experience Post Law School) Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will be considered until hiring is complete. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than January 2, 2026. The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is one of the nation's leading advocates on behalf of constitutional rights and liberties. Founded in 1951, as the New York affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, the NYCLU is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization with more than 90,000 members and supporters, and eight offices statewide. We work in the courts, in the legislatures and on the streets to advocate for racial and economic justice, free speech, freedom of religion, privacy and equality before the law for all New Yorkers. For more information, please visit our website: www.nyclu.org. DEI VISION STATEMENT The NYCLU affirmatively values the humanity and contributions of those we work with, inside and outside of the organization; and will take action to build and sustain an equitable, anti-racist culture that centers the voices and experiences of marginalized and directly impacted people and communities, and an organizational environment where all people feel valued, trusted, and respected. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and having a workforce that reflects the population that we serve and actively recruit people of color, women, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people, and LGBTQ and gender non-conforming people. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION The NYCLU seeks an attorney with 2-5 years of experience for a two- or three-year internally funded legal fellowship. The Fellow will primarily work with Policy team members to support the immigration, policing, and/or criminal legal system reform policy dockets, though may also be staffed on work involving privacy and surveillance, protest, First Amendment rights, and defensive work. The NYCLU’s Policy Department implements and monitors legislative and policy initiatives across the state that implicate constitutional rights and liberties. The Policy Department drafts and supports affirmative legislation that advances constitutional freedoms, and opposes laws, rules, and policies that would compromise those freedoms. The work of the Policy Department includes (a) representing the NYCLU at the state legislative session in Albany, (b) monitoring and advocating before the New York City Council, (c) engaging in advocacy with other municipal bodies, in close collaboration with the NYCLU’s regional offices, and (d) engaging in rulemaking and implementation efforts. This work involves technical research, extensive written analysis and commentary, direct lobbying of and engagement with lawmakers and agency officials, collaboration with our Legal Department on litigation, collaboration with our Field Organizing team on campaign priorities, public education and testimony, supervision and management of personnel and campaign work, strategic communications and media in close collaboration with our colleagues from the Communications team, and coalition building that engages NYCLU members and allied organizations. The successful candidate will implement these strategies in advancing their docket. We are seeking a candidate who thrives in a collaborative organization and can skillfully handle diverse approaches to advance policy reform. The successful candidate is a creative thinker and collaborates well both internally and with external partners. Fellows must work closely with the NYCLU’s Policy, Legal, Field Organizing, and Communications Departments. The Fellow will report to the Policy Director. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Conduct legal research and analysis on issues involving immigration, police reform, criminal legal system change, privacy and surveillance, protest, and First Amendment rights. Engage in legislative and administrative advocacy, including by: - developing legal and policy positions on local and state legislation, agency actions, proposed rules, directives, and ballot measures. - drafting and editing legislation and model policies. - drafting comments to proposed rules and regulations. - drafting public education materials, such as know your rights guides and public policy reports. - writing and providing testimony; and - sharing expertise with policymakers. Work with Policy team members and other NYCLU departments and centers to advance the NYCLU’s public policy initiatives. Represent the NYCLU in lobby visits, and at community events, coalition meetings, panels and rallies. Assist in coordination of public events. Respond to requests for support from NYCLU chapters and the public. Actively support the NYCLU’s internal and external commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. QUALIFICATIONS Required J.D. degree. 2-5 years of experience in legal or public policy advocacy. Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and civil liberties. Initiative, vision, and ability to develop and implement short and long-term policy strategies utilizing a broad range of political and legal tactics. Strong communications skills, including the ability to communicate in both writing and verbally to a variety of audiences. Excellent research and analytical skills. An understanding of the legislative process, and experience in organizing and working with coalitions to achieve public policy goals. Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives and manage multiple issues at once in a fast-paced environment. Strong project and time management skills, including a high level of organization, attention to detail, and follow-through. Demonstrated experience engaging in creative problem solving, strategic flexibility, and good judgment. Ability to develop allies and work collaboratively and diplomatically. A strong commitment to diversity and a personal approach that values and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socioeconomic circumstances. Willingness to travel within New York State for speaking events, meetings, and conferences. HOW TO APPLY Please submit your resume, cover letter (describing your unique qualifications for this position and how you learned of this job posting), and a recent writing sample not to exceed 10 pages that is wholly your own unedited work via https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3230042/New-York-Civil-Liberties-Union-Foundation/Legal-Fellow If feasible, please submit these materials as a single PDF. The NYCLU is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and having a workforce that reflects the communities that we serve. The NYCLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please e-mail ldecicco@nyclu.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodation for the interview process. This position may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Responsibilities

The Fellow will conduct legal research and analysis on various issues and engage in legislative and administrative advocacy. They will work with the Policy team and other departments to advance public policy initiatives.