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. Notice to Recent Law Graduates: Applications encouraged by July 15, 2025 for fellowship beginning fall 2025.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM) is accepting applications from candidates interested in applying to work at ACLUM through its internally funded Ellen Paradise Fisher-Franklin M. Fisher Legal Fellowship. The fellowship will begin as early as the fall of 2025 and may be offered for a one or two year term.
ACLUM works on cutting-edge civil rights and civil liberties issues. We have undertaken groundbreaking litigation and advocacy on 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
The Ellen Paradise Fisher-Franklin M. Fisher Legal Fellowship may be offered for a one or two year term, beginning as early as fall 2025. The fellow will work with ACLUM’s legal director, managing attorneys and staff attorneys on trial-level and appellate work. The fellow may focus on a particular issue or work on a range of issues. Fellows may also work with staff members on non-litigation advocacy, such as public education, legislative work, public speaking, community organizing, and investigation.
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 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 2025 include free speech, freedom of religion, police accountability, immigrants’ rights, reproductive rights, criminal law, racial justice, democracy, and government surveillance.
Qualifications
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as 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, and have a demonstrated commitment to civil rights and liberties. 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. We encourage you to apply no later than July 15, 2025 to ensure consideration of your application.
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 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 a reasonable accommodation.