Application deadline: September 23, 2019

The ACLU of Washington welcomes applications from rising or graduating third-year law students and recent law graduates to apply with us during the 2019-2020 funding cycle for a public interest legal fellowship.  As an integral part of ACLU-WA, the fellow will work closely with attorneys to gain practical experience through defending and expanding civil liberties and constitutional rights. The position will provide recent graduates with a unique opportunity to participate in our cutting-edge legal work, gaining practical hands-on experience in a supportive and mentoring environment.

Overview
ACLU-WA is a state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, the premier nationwide organization working daily in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and laws. Current organizational priorities include criminal law reform, ensuring access to healthcare unencumbered by religious control, and issues related to juvenile justice and school discipline. The office, which is located in Seattle, has previously successfully sponsored applicants with both Equal Justice Works and the Skadden Fellowship.

We will work with the successful applicant to develop a project proposal on addressing youth homelessness for specific funding from Equal Justice Works during the 2019-2020 funding cycle. The fellow would begin work with the ACLU-WA in the fall of 2020. We are particularly interested in working with a fellow to develop a project that will address the criminalization of poverty and the institutions and systems that contribute to youth homelessness. We will work with the prospective fellow to ensure the project develops the fellow’s skills and satisfies the funding organization’s requirements.

The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.  The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, socio-economic circumstance, or record of arrest or conviction.  Individuals who have experienced homelessness are particularly encouraged to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated interest in civil rights work
• Strong time management and the ability to juggle multiple assignments in a fast-paced office
• The ability to write in a clear and concise manner with an emphasis on legal writing
• Well-developed legal research skills
• The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, community members, allied organizations, defendants, and court personnel
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU reserves the right to change the description and/or posting at any time without advance notice. This position is “exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Depending on the source of fellowship funding secured, we will work with the fellow to ensure a compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and within parameters of our office’s compensation scales.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample (not to exceed 5 pages) to jobs@aclu-wa.org and include in the subject line of the email: your last name and Public Interest Fellow.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 23, 2019, at which time the position announcement will be removed from our website at www.aclu-wa.org/careers. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.

The ACLU of Washington comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Inc. and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation. The two corporations share the same overall mission, office space, and employees. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU of Washington”.