Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Immigrants' Rights Project

ABOUT THE JOB   The ACLU invites rising third-year law students and law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity to work with us as a Legal Fellow for  two years . The   Immigrants' Rights Project (IRP)  of the National office in New York, NY or San Francisco, CA   seeks applicants to consider for a  sponsored fellowship  such as Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2027. This is a  hybrid role  that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.   OVERVIEW We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by  June 18, 2026 .   This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).   WHAT YOU'LL DO   Reporting to the  Project Director , IRP seeks a Legal Fellow  focused on opposing immigration apprehension tactics that, in violation of the Constitution and federal law, fuel the administration’s goal of mass deportations. This project will require creativity and flexibility, in conjunction with the rest of IRP’s raids team, to proactively target DHS’s regularly shifting tactics. It will include developing and litigating challenges to ICE and CBP mass arrests, with a particular focus on worksite raids; to specific DHS enforcement tactics, such as traffic checkpoints and unconstitutional racial profiling; and to state and local law enforcement’s participation in the federal deportation machinery. The project will focus on unlawful and unconstitutional aspects of the deportation pipeline prior to and at the time of apprehension—particularly Fourth and Fifth Amendment violations and actions in excess of statutory authority.   Alternatively, IRP seeks a Legal Fellow to hold federal immigration enforcement officers accountable for their abuse of immigrants' rights through the Federal Tort Claims Act ("FTCA"). For years, courts have been narrowing the tools available to challenge government abuses against immigrants. The Supreme Court has all but abolished Bivens in the immigration context. The result is a growing accountability gap: immigrants suffer serious, documented harm at the hands of federal officers, and the legal system offers them no redress. The FTCA helps fill that gap, allowing immigrants to sue the federal government directly for the tortious conduct of its agents. Drawing on the ACLU’s experience litigating FTCA family separation cases under the first Trump administration, the fellow will develop and lead a coordinated FTCA litigation strategy across ACLU affiliates on behalf of immigrants whose rights have been violated by federal agents, and litigate cases of their own. YOUR DAY TO DAY   Litigate immigrants’ rights cases, including legal research; fact development; working with clients; drafting pleadings, briefs, and legal memoranda; engaging in discovery and motion practice; and conducting evidentiary hearings and oral arguments Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation and advocacy projects Work with colleagues in the ACLU’s Communications and National Political Advocacy Departments to develop public education and other advocacy materials on immigrants’ rights Articulate ACLU views to a variety of audiences, through public speaking, traditional and social media, and other means Work with and advise ACLU state affiliates and partner organizations on immigrants’ rights issues Help manage summer legal internship program and supervise student interns Travel as required for litigation, conferences, and other advocacy opportunities Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned   FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL   Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU   Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives   Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts   WHAT YOU'LL BRING   J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2027   Admission to practice in  New York or California ; if not currently admitted, agreement to become admitted within one year of hire   Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justice   Willingness to work closely with Immigrants' Rights Project  through the funding application process   Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills   Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding   Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a team   Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion   COMPENSATION   The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The range of salaries are the following, based on year of law school graduation (please consult the hiring manager for specific salary details, based on individual circumstances).   0-2 years since law school graduation: $96,069 - $120,009   3-5 years since law school graduation: $134,414 - $158,579   6-10 years since law school graduation: $165,839 - $187,087   11-15 years since law school graduation: $190,585 - $201,403   16-20 years since law school graduation: $203,304 - $208,540   21-25 years since law school graduation: $209,595 - $213,890   26-30+ years since law school graduation: $214,920 - $219,104   The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. These salaries are reflective of positions based in New York, NY, where our National Offices are headquartered.  Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.    For details on