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Full-Time

Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

ACLU

ACLU

501-1,000 employees

Defends individual rights and civil liberties

Government & Public Sector
Legal

Compensation Overview

$65k - $85kAnnually

+ Relocation Support

Mid, Senior

Boise, ID, USA

Category
Legal
Legal & Compliance
Requirements
  • J.D. with litigation experience or a judicial clerkship.
  • Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in constitutional or public interest law.
  • Exceptional legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
  • Ability to turn around high-quality work on tight deadlines.
  • Strong oral advocacy skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize many concurrent tasks at once, manage a high-volume workload, pay extremely close attention to detail, and meet moving deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, problem-solve, multi-task, work independently, and exercise good judgment under stressful situations; a self-starter and finisher.
  • Ability to think creatively and use non-litigation strategies to promote objectives.
  • An enthusiastic, patient, and collegial style that inspires collaboration.
  • Excellent at working collaboratively and building strong relationships with lawyers, other staff members, and with community organizers, and coalitions.
  • Willingness to receive and respond to constructive criticism.
  • Ability to work long hours on occasion, including evenings and weekends as necessary.
  • Valid driving privileges and willingness to travel across Idaho.
  • Clear, strong, and proven commitment to racial justice, civil rights and civil liberties, public interest work, and the mission of the ACLU of Idaho.
  • Current admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction at time of hiring.
  • Admission to the Idaho State Bar, U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit required within one year of being hired.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct factual and legal research; identify and recruit plaintiffs; interview clients and potential witnesses; prepare memoranda; draft pleadings, briefs, correspondence, and public records requests; conduct discovery, including depositions; argue motions; try cases in federal and state courts; handle appeals and negotiate settlements; oversee implementation of judgments and settlement agreements; and draft amicus briefs in cases of constitutional significance.
  • Assess requests for legal assistance and identify appropriate cases for legal challenge.
  • Investigate civil rights/civil liberties complaints that may lead to law reform litigation.
  • Contribute to case selection, formulating legal strategy, and identifying litigation priorities.
  • Depending on experience, supervise, lead, or participate in a team of associated attorneys.
  • Complete legal research projects on legislative proposals, draft and deliver legislative testimony, and draft public education materials as assigned.
  • Collaborate with policy and advocacy teams as assigned.
  • Engage with coalition partners, law and policy makers, and community representatives working on similar issues.
  • Serve as a spokesperson for the ACLU both with the press and as a public speaker.
  • Recruit and supervise law students and interns.
  • Proactively communicate with all staff so they are well-informed of upcoming hearings, judicial decisions, and important developments in the legal department.
  • Ensure that the Legal Director and Executive Director are adequately informed of work and solicit direction and input appropriately and consistent with professional standards.
  • Provide administrative and organizational support as needed and adhere to internal systems for recordkeeping and information sharing.
  • Engage in special projects and duties as assigned.

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.