Job Description
The ACLU is offering a fellowship sponsorship opportunity for rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to join the Capital Punishment Project. This project, part of the ACLU’s Center for Justice, focuses on challenging the fairness of capital punishment and advocating for its abolishment. The fellow will work on litigation addressing race discrimination in the application of the death penalty. This is a hybrid role requiring in-office presence two days a week in Durham, NC, Washington, DC, or New York City office. The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay.
What this role involves:
- Conducting legal research and analysis.
- Drafting legal documents such as memoranda, pleadings, and briefs.
- Interviewing witnesses and potential clients.
- Participating in discovery and trial practice.
- Drafting and editing public education materials.
- Supporting ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys.
- Helping manage the summer legal internship program.
- Engaging in public speaking and attending meetings.
Requirements:
- J.D. or expected J.D. by Spring 2026.
- Commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justice.
- Willingness to work closely with CPP through the funding application process.
- Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage tasks and see projects through.
What this role offers:
- Time away with a generous paid time-off policy.
- Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
- 401k plan with employer match.
- Annual professional development funds.