About the role#
The ACLU of New Jersey is seeking a Legal Fellow for a one-year term starting in September 2026. This position is designed for graduating law students, law graduates, or judicial clerks from the Class of 2025. The fellow will work within the Legal Department to gain experience in impact litigation and integrated advocacy while helping to advance strategic plans that protect civil rights and liberties for New Jerseyans.
What you'll do#
- Assist in carrying out legal and advocacy work across a range of priority issues.
- Develop core skills in legal advocacy, research, and writing.
- Analyze state and local legislative proposals and research legislative history.
- Draft internal memos, testimony, and public education materials.
- Represent the organization in coalition meetings, conferences, and public speaking engagements.
- Participate in meetings and activities that support the legal team and broader organizational goals.
What you'll need#
- A strong understanding of and commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and racial justice.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.
- Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills, with success working in team settings.
- Strong time and project management skills, including high attention to detail.
- Ability to take initiative and engage in creative problem-solving.
- Previous experience in or connection to New Jersey public interest advocacy is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: Newark, New Jersey.
- Work Modality: Hybrid, with in-office requirements on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Status: Full-time, paid position.
About ACLU of New Jersey
The ACLU of New Jersey is a non-profit organization based in Newark. It focuses on the protection of individual rights and liberties under state and federal constitutions. The group works through legal, legislative, and community channels to promote equity. It has operated since 1960 and currently employs 48 people.
How to get in at ACLU of New Jersey
Securing an internship at the ACLU of New Jersey requires timing your application to ensure it lands before the candidate pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first and increases the likelihood of your materials being reviewed early. Using these alerts helps you stay ahead of the typical application rush. Reaching out to the recruiters behind the ACLU of New Jersey roles can also improve your chances of getting a response. Intern Insider surfaces the specific people managing these openings, allowing you to reach out directly to inquire about the role or request a referral. This direct approach often yields better results than submitting an application into a general queue.
