Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Disability Rights Program

About the role#

The Disability Rights Program (DRP) at the ACLU is seeking candidates for a sponsored fellowship beginning in the fall of 2027. This opportunity is open to rising third-year law students and law graduates who wish to pursue a one- to two-year project at the intersection of disability rights and civil liberties. Fellows will work closely with the DRP to develop and implement their project proposal and must secure external funding. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by ACLU Staff United.

What you'll do#

• Develop and pursue a litigation and advocacy project, such as challenging discrimination in emergency response, increasing access to harm reduction services, contesting involuntary institutionalization, addressing school disciplinary practices, or protecting voting access.
• Conduct legal research, analysis, and fact-finding to support new litigation theories.
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs.
• Interview witnesses and potential clients.
• Participate in discovery and trial practice.
• Provide support to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys.
• Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials.
• Assist in managing the summer legal internship program and supervising student interns.

What you'll need#

• A J.D. or expected graduation by the spring of 2027.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justice.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct complex legal analysis.
• Willingness to work closely with the Disability Rights Program throughout the funding application process.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Location & details#

• Locations: San Francisco, California or Washington, District of Columbia.
• Modality: Hybrid, with in-office requirements of two days per week or eight days per month.
• Term: Begins in the fall of 2027 for a duration of up to two years.