About the role#
The ACLU of New Jersey is seeking a law fellow to join our legal department. This role is a sponsorship opportunity through the New Jersey State Bar Foundation (NJSBF) focused on defending and advancing the rights of immigrants. You will work closely with our staff to design a project that combines impact litigation, policy advocacy, community outreach, and public education. Please note that this position is contingent upon receiving the NJSBF grant.
What you'll do#
- Work on lawsuits and advocate for clients.
- Educate New Jerseyans on their civil rights and liberties.
- Engage with our policy and communications teams to advance legislation and public outreach.
- Collaborate with ACLU-NJ staff to craft a joint project proposal for the NJSBF grant.
- Finalize and submit the joint project proposal by December 1, 2026.
What you'll need#
- Third-year law student or a recent law graduate.
- Passion for civil rights and liberties with alignment to the ACLU-NJ mission.
- Experience in litigation or policy advocacy through clinics, internships, or clerkships.
- Ability to work independently and manage projects while collaborating within a team.
- Critical thinking skills and the ability to write clearly and accessibly.
- A strong commitment to racial equity and an understanding of how power operates in social circumstances.
- Must meet NJSBF requirements, including sitting for the New Jersey bar exam and planning to live or work in New Jersey after the fellowship.
- Fluency in Spanish or other languages is encouraged.
Location & details#
- This position is based in Newark, New Jersey.
- We operate on a hybrid schedule, with in-office days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- You must be available to participate in hearings, meetings, and events within New Jersey.
- This is a full-time, paid position with compensation starting at $82,500 for a new law graduate.
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.
