TO APPLY: Applicants for this position should submit a resume, list of references, and a cover letter that best expresses their interest and unique qualifications. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the position is filled.
Notice to Third-Year Law Students & Recent Law Graduates (applications due July 1, 2025 for fellowships with fall deadlines)
The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM) is accepting applications from candidates interested in working at ACLUM through externally funded public interest legal fellowships, including but not limited to those funded by Equal Justice Works, the Skadden Fellowship Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Justice Catalyst, and individual law schools. Third-year law students and attorneys interested in work involving civil rights and civil liberties may apply for either or both sources of funding.
ACLUM works on cutting-edge civil rights and civil liberties issues. We have undertaken groundbreaking litigation and advocacy on incarceration during COVID-19, free speech, immigrants’ rights, criminal justice, reproductive rights, transgender rights, open government, police accountability, government surveillance, racial justice, and other issues. For more, please visit www.aclum.org/cases.
Job Summary
If selected and funded, fellows will work with ACLUM’s legal director, managing attorneys and staff attorneys on trial-level and appellate work. Successful fellowship candidates may focus on a particular issue or work on a range of issues. Fellows may also work with ACLUM staff members on non-litigation advocacy activities, such as public education, legislative work, public speaking, community organizing, and investigation.
During the application process, ACLUM staff will work with fellowship candidates to develop their proposals for submission, helping tailor the proposals to address an important civil rights or civil issue. The duration of the fellowship will be governed by the funding organization’s policy.
Subject Areas of the Fellowships
ACLUM welcomes applications from prospective fellows who are interested in any significant issue involving civil rights or liberties. Recent ACLUM legal fellows have litigated key cases on access to medication for addiction treatment, police accountability, free expression, open government, immigrants’ rights, and the rights of incarcerated individuals to access adequate medical treatment, both in the midst of the pandemic and more generally. Priority issue areas for ACLUM in 2026 might include free speech, freedom of religion, police accountability, immigrants’ rights, reproductive rights, criminal law, racial justice, and government surveillance.
Qualifications
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills are required for this position. Applicants should be self-motivated; able to work well with a wide range of stakeholders; have a commitment to defend and strengthen civil rights and liberties; and have a commitment to diversity and inclusion with respect for differences in race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability and socio-economic background. Current or recent judicial law clerks are encouraged to apply, but judicial clerkship experience is not required.
Additional Information
Applications will be processed as received, and should be submitted no later than July 1, 2025, for fellowships that have fall deadlines.
ACLUM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and formerly incarcerated people to apply.
This position is based in Boston, MA and eligible for a hybrid work schedule, being in-person for an average of three days per week, with the ability to be in the office on any given day as needed and assigned. ACLUM has a Covid-19 vaccine mandate, and candidates receiving a job offer will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment. Exemptions to this requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law. Applicants should be aware that fully remote work will not be deemed reasonable accommodation.