Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel, Speech, Privacy & Technology Project

Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel, Speech, Privacy & Technology Project (term‑limited)

Join to apply for the Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel, Speech, Privacy & Technology Project (term‑limited) role at ACLU

The ACLU seeks applicants for the term‑limited, full‑time position of Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel (Two‑Year) in the Speech, Privacy & Technology Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY
. This is a hybrid role that requires two days per week or eight days per month in the office.

The ACLU’s Project on Speech, Privacy, and Technology (SPT) is dedicated to protecting and expanding First Amendment freedoms of expression, association, and inquiry; expanding the right to privacy and increasing the control individuals have over their personal information; and ensuring that civil liberties are enhanced by new advances in science and technology. The project is working on a variety of issues, including political protest, freedom of expression online, privacy of electronic information, journalists’ rights, scientific freedom, and openness in the courts.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit and is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

Reporting to the Project Director, the Staff Attorney will function as an integral part of the Speech, Privacy and Technology Project and will work on an extensive docket of First and Fourth Amendment cases. This is a two‑year term‑limited position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by November 17, 2025
.

• Participate in litigation at all levels of federal and state courts, including researching, interviewing clients, drafting briefs and pleadings, and participating in discovery and motion practice.
• Draft amicus curiae briefs.
• Provide support for ACLU affiliate litigation.
• Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative and policy work.
• Advance ACLU policy goals through public education and participation in coalitions.
• Supervise student interns on relevant assignments.
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU and to its historic role as a guardian of free speech and privacy.
• 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.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.

• A J.D. degree.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.

• Skill at performing complex legal analytical work.
• Demonstrated commitment to public‑interest law.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• Ability to self‑start and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of First and/or Fourth Amendment issues is preferred, but not required.
• Litigation experience is preferred, but not required.

The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The salary ranges are based on years since law school graduation. For specific salary details consult the hiring manager.

• 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 is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. These salaries reflect positions based in New York, NY. Regional pay adjustments may apply if authorized to work outside of the listed location.

For details on our pay structure, visit:
Pay Structure PDF

For over 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. We take on the toughest civil liberties cases, from ending mass incarceration to securing equality for LGBTQ+ communities, establishing new privacy protections, and defending voting rights and reproductive freedoms.

• Generous paid time‑off policy.
• Comprehensive healthcare…