Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Immigrants' Rights Project

About the role#

The ACLU is seeking applicants for a two-year Legal Fellowship within the Immigrants' Rights Project (IRP), beginning in the fall of 2027. This opportunity is designed for rising third-year law students and law graduates to secure sponsorship through programs such as Equal Justice Works. The fellow will work to oppose unconstitutional immigration apprehension tactics or lead Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) litigation to hold federal enforcement officers accountable for rights abuses.

What you'll do#

• Litigate immigrants' rights cases, including legal research, fact development, client engagement, and drafting pleadings, briefs, and memoranda.
• Conduct discovery, motion practice, and participate in evidentiary hearings and oral arguments.
• Develop legal theories and analysis to support new litigation and advocacy projects.
• Collaborate with the ACLU’s Communications and National Political Advocacy Departments to create public education and advocacy materials.
• Advise ACLU state affiliates and partner organizations on immigrants' rights issues.
• Assist in managing the summer legal internship program and supervising student interns.
• Travel as required for litigation, conferences, and advocacy.

What you'll need#

• A J.D. degree or expectation to receive one by the spring of 2027.
• Admission to practice law in New York or California, or an agreement to become admitted within one year of hire.
• A demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justice.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills with the ability to conduct complex legal analysis.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Willingness to work closely with the Immigrants' Rights Project throughout the funding application process.

Location & details#

• This position is based in New York, New York, or San Francisco, California.
• The role is hybrid, requiring in-office attendance of two days per week or eight days per month.
• This is a full-time, paid fellowship position.
• This role is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by ACLU Staff United.