Staff Attorney / Senior Staff Attorney

ABOUT THE JOB

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of the District of Columbia (ACLU-DC) seeks applicants for the full-time position of Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney . This hybrid role is based in Washington, DC.

ACLU-DC protects, promotes, and advances a broad range of constitutional and civil rights through an integrated advocacy framework, using the tools of litigation, legislative advocacy, communication strategies, and public education. ACLU-DC’s legal department engages in impact litigation and litigates a broad range of constitutional cases through direct representation and amicus briefs. ACLU-DC’s current litigation docket includes litigation against local authorities on systemic police reform, discrimination, the First Amendment, and more. The docket also includes cases challenging policies and practices of the second Trump administration, including on immigration, trans rights, voting rights, federal workers’ rights, and freedom of speech.

The Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney will investigate, research, develop, and pursue civil liberties and civil rights impact litigation across a broad range of constitutional and legal issues. Working under the supervision of the Legal Director, this attorney will serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in litigation, collaborate with cooperating attorneys and advocacy partners, contribute to integrated advocacy strategies, and help mentor junior members of the Legal Department.

The ACLU-DC operates as a hybrid workplace. Residency in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia is a condition of employment. This is a full-time position, and occasional evening or weekend work may be required. This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies as needed.

The deadline for applying is 11:59pm Eastern time on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2027; nonetheless, due to the pace of the search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible .

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a member of ACLU-DC's Legal Department and reporting to the Legal Director , the Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney will investigate, develop, and litigate civil rights and civil liberties cases; collaborate across departments to advance organizational priorities; engage in public advocacy and outreach; and help strengthen the capacity of the Legal Department through mentorship and collaboration.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

Litigation

- Investigate, develop, and litigate civil liberties and civil rights cases in D.C. and federal court.

- Conduct factual and legal research; draft pleadings, motions, demand letters, appellate briefs, and amicus briefs.

- Conduct discovery, negotiate settlements, present argument in court.

- Assess requests for legal assistance and recommend appropriate cases for litigation.

- Research legal issues and contribute to the development of litigation strategy.

- Identify and pursue opportunities to build the ACLU-DC’s impact litigation docket.

Policy, Communications, and Community Engagement

- Represent ACLU-DC through speaking engagements, media interviews, and community outreach efforts, including know-your-rights presentations.

- Assist in developing communications materials, including press releases, op-eds, blog posts, and social media content.

- Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, coalition partners, law firms, and other advocates.

- Advise the Policy Department on legislative advocacy and the legal implications of proposed legislation.

- Work with clients to prepare them for media engagement.

- Testify before legislative bodies when appropriate.

Administration, Coordination, and Support

- Supervise, mentor, and support law students, interns, volunteer attorneys, and more junior attorneys, including providing strategic guidance and substantive feedback on litigation.

- Participate in hiring processes for legal and non-legal staff.

- Keep Legal and Executive Directors informed about ongoing work and case developments.

- Assist with program activities, special projects, and other duties, as assigned.

FUTURE ACLU-DC TEAM MEMBERS WILL

- Be committed to advancing the priorities and mission of ACLU-DC.

- 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.

- Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Required Qualifications

- J.D. degree from an accredited law school.

- Membership in the D.C. Bar, or ability to obtain membership by passing the next D.C. Bar examination.

- 5–10 years of experience as a full-time attorney (including fellowships and clerkships).

- At least 3 years of civil litigation experience in federal, state, or territorial courts.

Desired Qualifications

- Experience litigating civil rights or civil liberties matters.

- Experience with impact litigation.

- Experience litigating complex cases, including class actions.

- Experience researching and briefing complex legal issues.

- Experience taking a lead role in civil discovery.

- Experience supervising law students, fellows, or attorneys.

- Nonprofit sector experience.

- Public speaking, media, or legislative testimony experience.

Required Competencies

- Strong knowledge of constitutional law and civil rights.

- Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing skills.

- Strong verbal communication skills as to both legal and non-legal audiences.

- Experience interviewing and working with clients, potential clients, and witnesses.

- Experience serving as the primary author of court filings.

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

- Ability to engage respectfully in intellectual give-and-take to hone litigation strategies and legal theories. Willingness to express an unpopular view, question consensus to improve group decision-making, and be persuaded by others.

- Ability to think strategically, manage competing priorities, and meet demanding deadlines.

- Ability to mentor and provide thoughtful, growth-oriented feedback to junior staff.

- Commitment to integrated advocacy approaches that combine litigation, public education, communications, and policy work.

- Ability to foster inclusive relationships and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Desired Competencies

- Demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and the mission of ACLU-DC.

- Understanding of impact litigation as a tool for social change.

- Coalition-building and leadership skills.

- Familiarity with the District of Columbia.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer as part of a complete compensation package is essential to not just their work, but also to their overall well-being.

The annual salary range for this position is $115,875 -$134,415 , depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates may be considered for either the Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney level based on their experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, ACLU-DC offers a broad range of benefits, including:

- Time away to focus on the things that matter with generous paid time-off and leave policies, including a 90-day paid sabbatical after five years of service.

- Focus on well-being with employer paid comprehensive healthcare benefits for the employees and family members (including medical, dental and vision coverage)

- Plan for retirement with 401k plan and employer match.

- Reduce student loan debt with employer funded student loan repayment assistance.

- Grow professionally with annual professional development funds and internal professional development programs.

HOW TO APPLY

To complete the application, you will need to upload:

- A resume that lists relevant experience and education.

- A cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position.

- A writing sample that is your own work, with a brief explanatory note describing the extent of others’ involvement (e.g. “I wrote this draft entirely myself with no input” or “This is a second draft based on feedback from a supervisor but it’s all my own writing” or the like). This sample should be no more than 10 pages, and may be a section of a larger document (with a note explaining the context if it’s unclear from the sample alone). The sample must be a litigation-related document containing legal analysis or argument, such as a brief, motion, or research or strategy memo about potential litigation. Complaints and academic articles do not qualify.

- A list of three references, including a sentence describing what information each reference can provide. At least one reference should be a practicing attorney.

Applications without all of the above will not be considered. Please apply through https://acludc.bamboohr.com/careers/61 .

HIRING PROCESS

The hiring process may consist of:

- Skills assessment relevant to the role and/or phone screen.

- Interview(s) with members of the Legal Department.

- Final-stage interviews with organizational leadership.

- Reference checks.

- If you have a disability and need accommodation regarding any part of the application process, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

WHY THE ACLU-DC

At ACLU-D.C., we envision a just and free D.C. where all people live without systemic governmental oppression and can exercise their power to protect and expand civil rights, civil liberties, and human dignity.

For 65 years, ACLU-DC has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and DC law. Whether it’s reforming our criminal justice system, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, defending the rights of immigrant communities, representing federal workers, or seeking to achieve full voting rights for DC residents through DC Statehood, ACLU-DC takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all those who visit, live and work in DC.

ACLU-DC is an affiliate of the national ACLU, one of the nation’s foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights with 54 affiliates across the country and in Puerto Rico.

CLASSIFICATION

ACLU-DC recognizes a staff bargaining unit, ACLU-DC Staff United, affiliated with the Washington Baltimore News Guild. This position is a full-time, exempt, and is a part of the ACLU-DC’s bargaining unit.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The ACLU of the District of Columbia is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maximizing our team's diversity and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to supporting persons with disabilities in their work and encourage their request for needed job accommodations.

Research shows members of systematically marginalized groups tend to only apply if they meet 100% match for the role.  If you are passionate about the priorities and mission of ACLU-DC, and believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.