Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Voting Rights Project

About the role#

The Voting Rights Project (VRP) is seeking applicants for a sponsored fellowship, such as Equal Justice Works or Skadden, to begin in the fall of 2027. This fellowship opportunity is open to rising third-year law students and law graduates for a term of up to two years. The VRP works to defend an accessible, inclusive, and equitable democracy free from racial discrimination by litigating cases to prevent voter suppression and the dilution of minority voting strength.

What you'll do#

Reporting to the Deputy Project Director, the Fellow will focus on the full range of investigations and litigation conducted by the VRP while executing their specific fellowship project. Responsibilities include:

• Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation projects.
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs.
• Interview witnesses and potential clients.
• Participate in discovery and trial practice.
• Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials.
• Provide support to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys.
• Help manage the summer legal internship program and supervise student interns.
• Engage in public speaking and attend meetings or conferences as needed.

What you'll need#

• A J.D. or expected receipt of a J.D. by the spring of 2027.
• Admission to practice in New York; if not currently admitted, agreement to become admitted within one year of hire.
• 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 and fact-finding.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Willingness to work closely with the Voting Rights Project through the funding application process.

Location & details#

• Location: New York, New York.
• Modality: Hybrid, with in-office requirements of two days per week or eight days per month.
• Status: Full-time and paid position.
• Representation: This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).