Legal Fellowship

Application Deadline: September 30, 2007

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California (ACLU-NC), the largest ACLU affiliate in the nation, seeks applicants for a two-year Legal Fellowship in its San Francisco office.  Third year law students and attorneys with up to two years experience are invited to apply.  The Fellowship will commence in or around September 2008.

Our Legal Department, consisting of a legal director, six staff attorneys, and two legal assistants, litigates federal and state cases impacting significant civil liberties and civil rights areas.  We also use a wide range of non-litigation strategies including legislative work, media outreach, organizing, and public education.  The office is collegial; the work is challenging, varied and rewarding. 

The ACLU-NC has a staff of 50.  Staff attorneys work collaboratively with the ACLU-NC’s Policy, Communications, Organizing, and Legislative Departments in developing and pursuing multidisciplinary strategies.

Staff attorneys frequently co-counsel cases with ACLU-NC volunteer attorneys from private firms, and often work as a team with attorneys from other public interest organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A strong and demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights, and support for the goals of the American Civil Liberties Union;
  
• Excellent writing and analytical skills;
  
• Skills as an articulate public advocate (bilingual ability preferred);

Ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and with diverse community organizations and coalitions; and

Membership in the California State Bar (or must pass the next California Bar Examination).

COMPENSATION:

Salary based on experience.  Excellent benefits include four weeks paid vacation, medical, vision and dental insurance for staff members and their dependents and domestic partners, pension plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance and twelve paid holidays.

APPLICATION:

Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in this position to the attention of Cynthia Williams, ACLU of Northern California, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco, CA 94111.

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California is an affirmative action employer.  All interested individuals, including people of color, women, persons with disabilities and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex are particularly urged to apply.