Full-Time

Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney

Posted on 7/27/2023

ACLU

ACLU

1,001-5,000 employees

Defends individual rights and civil liberties

Social Impact
Legal

Compensation Overview

$65k - $85kAnnually

Mid, Senior

No H1B Sponsorship

Boise, ID, USA

Must reside in Idaho before employment; relocation stipend of up to $3,000.

Category
Legal
Legal & Compliance
Requirements
  • J.D. with litigation experience or a judicial clerkship.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish preferred.
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) focuses on defending and preserving individual rights and liberties as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. It engages in legal advocacy, public education, and lobbying to protect civil rights, including freedom of speech, privacy, and equality. The ACLU serves individuals and communities, particularly marginalized groups like 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. The goal of the ACLU is to ensure that everyone in the United States can enjoy their civil liberties without fear of discrimination or abuse.

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$116.7K

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1920

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Increased public support due to high-profile legal battles boosts ACLU's visibility.
  • Growing privacy concerns offer opportunities for ACLU to advocate for stronger protections.
  • Cecillia Wang's appointment as Legal Director may bring fresh strategies to ACLU.

What critics are saying

  • Court ruling against net neutrality may impact ACLU's digital engagement with communities.
  • High-profile legal battles could attract political backlash affecting donor support.
  • New leadership may cause strategic shifts not aligning with all stakeholders' expectations.

What makes ACLU unique

  • ACLU has a century-long history of defending civil liberties in the U.S.
  • It serves diverse clients, including marginalized groups facing discrimination and government overreach.
  • The ACLU's funding model relies on donations, grants, and merchandise sales.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Professional Development Budget

INACTIVE