About the role#
The ACLU of North Carolina Legal Foundation seeks a Legal Fellow for a paid, one-year position beginning in the fall of 2027. This role may be extended to two years. The fellow will advance work in areas including criminal law reform, voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, reproductive freedom, and the rights of immigrants. Proposed projects often combine litigation and advocacy with community outreach and public education. While internal funding is available, securing outside funding is encouraged.
What you'll do#
- Coordinate and prepare applications for funding and handle reporting requirements.
- Consult with the ACLU-NCLF during the funding application process.
- Conduct factual investigations to identify policies and practices for potential litigation, including court observation, interviews, and public records requests.
- Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs.
- Review and analyze documents to support litigation and advocacy.
- Participate in discovery and trial practice.
- Provide legal research, writing, and editing support.
- Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials.
- Conduct community outreach and know-your-rights presentations.
- Perform administrative work to support litigation efforts.
- Travel for work and work on weekends or evenings when necessary.
What you'll need#
- A J.D. degree at the start of the fellowship.
- Admission to the North Carolina bar or pending efforts to seek admission at the start of the fellowship.
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, and racial justice.
- Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain language.
- Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding in a litigation environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Self-motivation with the ability to take initiative, manage tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated personal commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion.
- Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.
- Clerkship experience is preferred.
Location & details#
- This position is based in Durham, North Carolina.
- The role is full-time and operates in a hybrid work environment.
About ACLU of North Carolina
The ACLU of North Carolina operates as a nonprofit organization based in Raleigh. It focuses on the protection of individual rights and liberties under the North Carolina and United States Constitutions. The group advocates in courts, legislatures, and local communities. Its work covers issues such as voting rights, reproductive freedom, and privacy protections.
How to get in at ACLU of North Carolina
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