Apply for the Fully Funded Fall 2026 Fellowship for Early-Career Lawyers at ACLU Disability Rights Project for early-career lawyers. Hybrid role in San Francisco or Washington, D.C., focusing on litigation, disability rights, and civil liberties.
Location: San Francisco, CA or Washington, D.C., United States
Type: Hybrid – 2 days per week in-office / 8 days per month
Application Deadline: Priority by June 27, 2025
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) invites rising third-year law students and law graduates to apply for a sponsored fellowship through Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowship programs for the Fall 2026 cohort. Fellows will join the Disability Rights Project in either San Francisco or Washington, D.C., and will work on cutting-edge legal initiatives defending civil liberties and disability rights.
Overview of the Fellowship
The fellowship provides an opportunity to pursue litigation-focused projects in areas including:
- AI and algorithmic discrimination against people with disabilities
- Discrimination against people with mental health or substance use disorders in the criminal legal system
- Disability challenges to voter suppression laws
- Other disability and civil liberties issues proposed by the applicant
Fellows will receive mentorship and guidance while conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, managing interns, and engaging in public advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct complex legal research and analysis
- Draft legal documents: memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs
- Interview witnesses and potential clients
- Participate in discovery and trial practice
- Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials
- Support ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys
- Help manage the summer legal internship program and supervise student interns
- Engage in public speaking and attend meetings/conferences as needed
What the Fellowship Offers
- A hybrid working model with in-office requirements
- Direct involvement in high-impact civil liberties litigation
- Opportunities for leadership in supervising interns and managing projects
- Professional growth within a leading public interest organization
Eligibility Criteria for Fellowship for Early-Career Lawyers at ACLU
- J.D. degree or expected J.D. by Spring 2026
- Commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, and disability rights
- Strong research, writing, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Willingness to engage in the funding application process for the fellowship
- Interest in pursuing innovative legal projects on disability rights
Compensation
Salaries are based on the ACLU litigator pay scale and vary by years since law school graduation:
- 0–2 years: $92,374–$115,393
- 3–5 years: $129,244–$152,480
- 6–10 years: $159,461–$179,891
- 11–15 years: $183,255–$193,657
- 16–20 years: $195,485–$200,519
- 21–25 years: $201,534–$205,663
- 26–30+ years: $206,654–$210,677
The ACLU also provides comprehensive benefits including health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, parental leave, and professional development funds.
Why Join ACLU
For over 100 years, the ACLU has defended civil liberties in the United States, including:
- Fighting mass incarceration
- Advancing LGBTQ+ equality
- Protecting privacy rights
- Preserving voting and reproductive rights
The ACLU values diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in both its legal work and internal culture. Fellows are expected to uphold these principles while advancing meaningful legal change.
How to Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to submissions by June 27, 2025.
Applicants must submit:
- Cover letter detailing the proposed project
- Resume/CV
- Any other required fellowship documents
For accessibility or accommodation requests, email: benefits.hrdept@aclu.org
Official application portal: ACLU Careers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply if I’m still in law school?
Yes, rising third-year law students are eligible, as long as you are expected to graduate by Spring 2026.
2. Is this a remote position?
The fellowship is hybrid, requiring 2 in-office days per week or 8 days per month.
3. Can I propose my own legal project?
Yes, applicants are encouraged to propose projects in disability rights or related civil liberties areas.
4. Are international applicants eligible?
The fellowship is primarily based in the U.S., so applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
5. Will I receive mentorship during the fellowship?
Yes, fellows work closely with the Project Director and other ACLU attorneys, and also receive guidance on managing interns and litigation projects.
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