Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Reform Project (Term-Limited)
ACLUNew York, New York, United States; San Francisco, California, United States; Washington, District of Columbia, United States$92k – $115kPosted 26 March 2026
Job Description
ABOUT THE JOB
The ACLU seeks applicants for the 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 ,
San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC.
This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight
(8) days per month.
This is a 2-year, limited term position.
The Criminal Law Reform Project’s mission is to advocate for the constitutional and civil rights of those impacted by criminal legal systems. We use litigation and advocacy to confront systemic government conduct that fuels the carceral state and police abuse, and oppresses people based on race, class, and other characteristics. CLRP does this work because everyone suspected, accused, or convicted of a crime deserves dignity, fairness, and an opportunity to thrive.
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Reporting to the Director or
the Deputy Director for Policing , this role offers a unique opportunity to pursue impact litigation and integrated advocacy aimed at challenging systemic misconduct by federal and state law enforcement agents in carrying out the Trump Administration’s mass incarceration and deportation agendas. The role may also contribute to other areas of CLRP’s docket as necessary.
This is an ideal opportunity for an attorney committed to racial justice, transformative change, and the power of legal advocacy to shift narratives and systems.
YOUR DAY TO DAY
Litigation and Advocacy
Lead and contribute to impact litigation in state and federal courts across the U.S., 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 federal and state law enforcement agents
Provide legal and strategic advice to local ACLU affiliates, cooperating attorneys, and other partners on litigation
Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative and policy work, as well as advance ACLU policy goals through public education, advocacy and participating in coalitions
Collaborate across departments—Communications, Political Advocacy, Data Analytics, and Affiliate Support to develop integrated strategies
Represent CLRP in public forums and media, articulating legal and policy visions to a variety of 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 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. degree and bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Those with 8-15 years of experience will have the title of Senior Staff Attorney and those with 16+ years of experience will have the title of Senior Counsel.
Demonstrated civil litigation skills and experience, including drafting complaints and briefs and conducting discovery
Strong ability to conduct thorough and goal-oriented fact-finding and investigation
Skilled in working with litigation and/or project teams, including development of clear goals, strategy, team processes and communication, and accountability
You value and excel at working with a wide range of people while fostering a collaborative, respectful team environment
You thrive in a complex, cross-departmental structure, particularly with respect to identifying and leveraging organizational resources
You h ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
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