Fall 2026 Legal Fellow

About the role#

The ACLU of New Jersey offers a one-year, full-time legal fellowship for graduating law students, recent graduates, or judicial clerks from the Class of 2025. This position is designed to provide emerging leaders with experience in impact litigation and integrated advocacy, beginning in September 2026. The fellow will work with a 14-person legal team to protect and advance civil rights and liberties for New Jerseyans.

What you'll do#

• Assist in carrying out legal and advocacy work across 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 team meetings and organizational activities.

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 a proven ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong time and project management skills, including high attention to detail.
• Initiative and a creative approach to problem-solving.
• Previous experience in or connection to New Jersey public interest advocacy is a plus.

Location & details#

• Location: Newark, New Jersey.
• Modality: Hybrid, with in-office requirements on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Term: One-year fellowship beginning in September 2026.
• Status: Full-time, paid position with a starting salary of $74,000 for 2026 graduates.