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Full-Time

West Michigan Legal Fellow

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

ACLU

ACLU

501-1,000 employees

Defends individual rights and civil liberties

Legal
Social Impact

Compensation Overview

$58k - $63kAnnually

+ Health Insurance + 401(k) Plan + Vacation Time

Entry

Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Category
Legal
Risk & Compliance
Legal & Compliance
Required Skills
Communications
Requirements
  • Must have JD.
  • Must be admitted to a state bar (Michigan or elsewhere), or become admitted within six months of starting the position.
  • A strong understanding of, and demonstrated commitment to, civil liberties and civil rights.
  • Exceptional writing, research and analytical skills, which can be demonstrated through clerkship, clinical, summer internship, or other experience.
  • Excellent communication skills to both legal and non-legal audiences.
  • Ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other ACLU staff, and community partners.
  • A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction.
  • Proficiency with computers: Windows, Microsoft Office, and Excel in particular.
  • Applicants with language skills relevant to immigration-related work in Michigan are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
  • Participate in investigating, developing and litigating impact civil liberties and civil rights cases in federal and state court.
  • Conduct factual and legal research, draft pleadings and briefs, prepare memoranda, draft Freedom of Information Act requests, write demand letters, conduct discovery, and help write appellate and amicus briefs.
  • Review, comment, and edit letters and briefs of co-counsel and other ACLU staff.
  • Communicate with clients; answer client questions and manage class member interactions in several ongoing pieces of class action litigation.
  • Support the legal work of the ACLU’s Legal Department, as needed.
  • Advocate for civil liberties and civil rights and represent the ACLU at events and in coalitions, as appropriate.
  • Work with ACLU staff to implement integrated advocacy campaigns and high-impact strategies utilizing ACLU’s communication, legislative, field organizing, and legal programs.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of the legal docket.
  • Work with volunteer lawyers to screen and develop promising civil liberties and civil rights cases.
  • Assist in managing the West Michigan office.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) defends and preserves individual rights and liberties in the United States, as guaranteed by the Constitution. It engages in legal advocacy, public education, and lobbying to protect civil rights, focusing on issues like freedom of speech, privacy, and equality. The ACLU serves individuals and communities, particularly marginalized groups such as immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and racial minorities, who face government overreach and discrimination. Unlike many organizations, the ACLU relies on donations, grants, and membership fees to fund its operations, which allows it to maintain independence and focus on its mission. Its goal is to ensure that everyone in the U.S. can enjoy their civil liberties without fear of discrimination or abuse.

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$120K

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1920

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

3%

1 year growth

3%

2 year growth

3%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Working at the ACLU offers the opportunity to engage in impactful legal and advocacy work that defends civil liberties and promotes social justice.
  • The organization's diverse funding sources provide financial stability, allowing for sustained efforts in legal cases and advocacy campaigns.
  • The ACLU's strong reputation and brand recognition can enhance career prospects and professional development for its employees.

What critics are saying

  • The ACLU operates in a highly polarized political environment, which can lead to public and governmental pushback against its initiatives.
  • Relying on donations and grants can be unpredictable, potentially affecting the organization's ability to fund its operations consistently.

What makes ACLU unique

  • The ACLU's nearly century-long history and focus on defending constitutional rights set it apart from other civil rights organizations.
  • Its diversified funding model, including donations, grants, and merchandise sales, ensures financial stability and operational sustainability.
  • The ACLU's strong brand and reputation enable it to attract significant support and resources for its advocacy and legal efforts.