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

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

6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

About The Job

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full‑time position of Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel, Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project (SPT) in the Legal Department of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY
. This is a hybrid role that requires two (2) days in‑office per week or eight (8) days per month.

The ACLU National Legal Department is comprised of fifteen subject‑matter projects and two initiatives, clustered in three Centers. SPT is dedicated to protecting and expanding the First Amendment freedoms of expression, association, and inquiry; expanding the right to privacy and increasing personal information control; and ensuring civil liberties are enhanced by advances in science and technology. Current issues include political protest, online free expression, electronic privacy, journalists’ rights, scientific freedom, and court openness.

This role will be integral to SPT and will work on a docket of First and Fourth Amendment cases. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with priority for those received by December 12, 2025
. The position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

YOUR DAY TO DAY

• Participate in litigation at all levels of federal and state courts, including legal and factual research, client interviews, drafting briefs and pleadings, and discovery and motion practice.
• Draft amicus curiae briefs.
• Provide support for ACLU affiliate litigation.
• Serve as a resource for legislative and policy work.
• Advance ACLU policy goals through public education and coalition organizing.
• Supervise student interns and legal fellows on relevant assignments.
• 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 equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects multiple perspectives.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Compensation

• 0‑2 years since law school graduation: $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

These salaries reflect positions based in New York, NY. Regional pay adjustments may apply for work outside the listed location. See full structure:
Pay Structure PDF.

WHY THE ACLU

For over 100 years, the ACLU has defended and preserved individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and U.S. laws. We tackle mass incarceration, LGBTQ+ equality, privacy protections, voting rights, abortion access, and more, defending all people.

Benefits

• Generous paid time‑off policy.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, parental leave, gender‑affirming care, and fertility treatment.
• 401(k) plan and employer match.
• Annual professional development funds and internal training programs.

Our Commitment to Accessibility, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are core ACLU values. We create long‑term change, not check‑the‑box activity. We promote a culture of belonging, treat everyone equitably, and empower colleagues. We are committed to anti‑oppression, anti‑ableism, and anti‑racism internally and externally. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction.

ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, email benefits.hrdept
. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information on requesting an interview accommodation.

Seniority level Mid‑Senior level

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Legal

Industries Non‑profit Organizations