- Home
- Jobs
- National Security Project
- Fall 2027 National Security Fellowship, National Security Project

Fall 2027 National Security Fellowship, National Security Project at ACLU
New York, New York, United StatesFull-timeNational Security ProjectPosted about 1 month ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<h2><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt;"><strong>ABOUT THE JOB </strong></span></h2>
<div class="x_elementToProof">
<p><span data-contrast="none">The ACLU seeks applicants for a full-time </span><strong><span data-contrast="none">two-year fellowship</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> position in the </span><strong><span data-contrast="none">National Security Project</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> of the ACLU’s National office in </span><strong><span data-contrast="none">New York, NY.</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> This is a </span><strong><span data-contrast="none">hybrid role</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> that has an in-office requirement of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":14,"335559737":446,"335559739":120,"335559740":264,"335559991":14}"> </span></p>
</div>
<h2><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">OVERVIEW </span></h2>
<div>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The National Security Project fights for people and communities harmed by the government in the name of national security, particularly people of color and other marginalized communities who are disproportionately targeted. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, the Project strives to ensure that people are able to participate fully in civic life and are free from discrimination, unwarranted suspicion and surveillance, unlawful force and detention, and the injustices and stigma that result from these abuses of national security policy. Recognizing the danger of expansive claims of state power, the Project advocates for a robust system of checks and balances, and policies that comply with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":14,"335559737":446,"335559739":120,"335559740":264,"335559991":14}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">This is a two-year fellowship position that starts in </span><strong><span data-contrast="none">Fall 2027</span></strong><span data-contrast="none">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":14,"335559737":446,"335559739":120,"335559740":264,"335559991":14}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by </span><strong><span data-contrast="none">October 1, 2026.</span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="none"> </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":14,"335559737":446,"335559739":120,"335559740":264,"335559991":14}"> </span></p>
</div>
<div>This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU). </div>
<div> </div>
<h2><span style="font-size: 18pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>WHAT YOU'LL DO</strong> </span></h2>
<div>
<p>Reporting to the<strong> Project Director </strong>and <strong><span class="TextRun SCXW213081130 BCX8" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW213081130 BCX8">Deputy Project Director</span></span></strong>, the <span class="TextRun SCXW213081130 BCX8" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW213081130 BCX8"><strong>National Security</strong> </span></span><strong>Fellow</strong> <span class="TextRun SCXW213081130 BCX8" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW213081130 BCX8">will conduct impact litigation and advocacy to advance civil rights and liberties, and challenge harms in the national security context. The ACLU encourages individuals with limited post-law school experience to apply.</span></span></p>
</div>
<h2><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>YOUR DAY TO DAY </strong></span></h2>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Conduct legal research and analysis, fact development, and develop theories to support new litigation projects</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, declarations, motions, and briefs</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Interview and work with potential witnesses and clients</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Participate in discovery and trial practice as opportunities arise</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Provide support and assistance to ACLU affiliates</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Help oversee and coordinate the summer internship program and student interns</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Engage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences as needed</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":284,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL</strong> </span></h2>
<ul>
<li>
<div>Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU </div>
</li>
<li>
<div>Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives </div>
</li>
<li>
<div>Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts </div>
</li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>WHAT YOU'LL BRING</strong> </span></h2>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none">J.D. degree from a U.S. law school (by Spring 2027)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":0,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":467,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265,"335559991":10}"> </span><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 1">PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335559685":2,"335559739":103,"335559740":259,"335559991":10}"> </span></strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Skilled at performing complex legal analytical work</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and civil rights and liberties</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":451,"335559739":24,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Experience, through personal connection or employment experience, working with marginalized communities whose civil rights and liberties are harmed by discriminatory or abusive national security policies </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Knowledge of and interest in civil liberties issues related to national security</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":883,"335559739":278,"335559740":265}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>COMPENSATION</strong> </span></h2>
<div>The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The range of salaries are the following, based on year of law school graduation (please consult the hiring manager for specific salary details, based on individual circumstances). </div>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">0-2 years since law school graduation: $96,069 - $120,009</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":200,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">3-5 years since law school graduation: $134,414 - $158,579</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":200,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">6-10 years since law school graduation: $165,839 - $187,087</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":200,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">11-15 years since law school graduation: $190,585 - $201,403</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":200,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">16-20 years since law school graduation: $203,304 - $208,540</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":200,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">21-25 years since law school graduation: $209,595 - $213,890</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":200,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">26-30+ years since law school graduation: $214,920 - $219,104</span></li>
</ul>
<div>The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. These salaries are reflective of positions based in New York, NY where are National Offices are headquartered. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>For details on our pay structure, please visit: </div>
<div><u><a id="OWAd384e1a2-27d4-8779-76ae-76a29a0182c8" class="x_x_Hyperlink x_x_SCXW50873835 x_x_BCX8 x_x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.aclu.org/careers/ACLU_Geographic_Pay_Structure-July_2024.pdf" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://www.aclu.org/careers/ACLU_Geographic_Pay_Structure-July_2024.pdf</a></u> </div>
<div> </div>
<h2><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>WHY THE ACLU</strong> </span></h2>
<div> </div>
<div>For over 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it’s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just their work, but to their overall well-being. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>At the ACLU, we offer a broad range of benefits, which include: </div>
<ul>
<li>
<div>Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy </div>
</li>
<li>
<div>Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment) </div>
</li>
<li>
<div>Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match </div>
</li>
<li>
<div>We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops </div>
</li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION</strong> </span></h2>
<div>Accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. For us diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are not just check-the-box activities, but a chance for us to make long-term meaningful change. We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization – one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. We are as committed to anti-oppression, anti-ableism, and anti-racism internally as we are externally. Because whether we’re in the courts or in the office, we believe ‘We the People’ means all of us. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>With this commitment in mind, we strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><em>The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email </em><em><u><a id="OWA31ff6c71-2c43-ff1a-632a-8f19c0eb289a" class="x_x_Hyperlink x_x_SCXW50873835 x_x_BCX8 x_x_OWAAutoLink" href="mailto:[email protected]" data-linkindex="1">[email protected]</a></u></em><em>. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.</em> </div>
<p> </p>
Related Roles
2027-2029 Aryeh Neier Fellowship Opportunity
ACLU
New York, New York, United StatesService Desk Technician II
ACLU
Washington, District of Columbia, United StatesThe Pauli Murray Fellowship, Communications Team
ACLU
New York, New York, United StatesThe Pauli Murray Fellowship, EDIB Team
ACLU
New York, New York, United StatesAssociate, Nationwide Portfolio Strategy & Prospect Development
ACLU
New York, New York, United StatesDeputy Director, Support Transition
ACLU
New York, New York, United States