Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney or Senior Counsel, National Prison Project.
ACLUSan Francisco, California, United States; Washington, District of Columbia, United States$92k – $115kPosted 3 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 N ational Prison Project
of the ACLU’s National office in W ashington, D.C.
or San Francisco, CA .
This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight
(8) days per month.
The National Prison Project works to ensure that conditions in prisons, jails, juvenile detention centers, and immigration detention facilities comply with the Constitution, domestic law, and international human rights principles. The Project has successfully litigated on behalf of incarcerated people in more than 25 states, and is the only organization litigating conditions of confinement cases nationwide. Our priorities include reducing overcrowding, improving health care, eliminating violence and maltreatment, and increasing oversight and accountability in prisons, jails, and other places of detention. We also work to reverse the policies that have given the United States the highest incarceration rate in the world and led to extreme over-representation of people of color in the incarcerated population.
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Reporting to the
Deputy
Project Director
, the Staff Attorney,
Senior Staff Attorney or Senior Counsel
will
contribute to all aspects of the Project’s litigation and non-litigation work , with a special focus on the Project’s immigration detention work .
YOUR DAY TO DAY
Litigate in federal and state courts, including appellate courts, throughout the country
Carry a substantial caseload in federal and state court, working closely with other staff attorneys and local counsel
Conduct legal research and write legal memoranda
Analyze legislation for potential litigation
Draft pleadings and briefs, engage in discovery and motion practice, and conduct evidentiary hearings and oral arguments
Provide technical assistance and expert legal advice to local ACLU affiliates, cooperating attorneys, and others who seek assistance from the Project
Conduct policy advocacy on prisoners’ rights and criminal justice issues
Develop new cases, identify and work with potential plaintiffs and witnesses
Engage in public speaking to a variety of audiences on a broad range of prisoners’ rights, criminal justice, and civil liberties issues
Travel as required for litigation, case management, conferences, and client development
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
E XPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school
Significant litigation experience, inclusive of clerkships, is preferred
Appropriate bar membership permitting practice in the District of Columbia or California, depending on where the attorney is based
A demonstrated ability to work independently as well as within a team.
Ability to foster and contribute to a collaborative team environment is essential
Excellent legal research and writing skills
Demonstrated ability to perform complex legal analytical work
Demonstrated ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively
Self-motivated, diligent and able to meet strict deadlines while under pressure
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At least eight (8) years of litigation experience, inclusive of clerkships, preferred
Familiarity with issues related to conditions of confinement preferred
Proficiency in Spanish preferred
COMPENSATION
The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The range of salaries are the following, bas ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
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