Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative (ACDI)

ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU invites rising third-year law students and law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity to work with us as a Legal Fellow for up to two years. The Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative (ACDI) of the National office seeks applicants to consider for a sponsored fellowship such as Equal Justice Works or other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2027. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month in either the New York, NY, or Washington, D.C., office.

OVERVIEW

The ACDI is a first-of-its-kind program of the ACLU to confront the criminalization of abortion care in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. The ACDI team of attorneys manages a network of experienced criminal defenders nationwide who are trusted partners, ready to represent people at risk of abortion-related criminal investigations and prosecutions. ACDI attorneys provide legal, strategic, and logistical assistance to support local counsel and drive a nationwide, coordinated defense response against the criminalization of reproductive healthcare. In addition, ACDI attorneys collaborate closely with other projects in the ACLU’s national office as well as ACLU affiliates to lead advocacy and litigation to mitigate the harms of abortion criminalization and expand access to abortion care.

We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June 26, 2026.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Reporting to the ACDI Director, the Fellow will be focused on two related goals: (1) supporting network defense counsel who will provide direct representation of those facing abortion related prosecution; (2) identify opportunities and assist in implementation of affirmative advocacy strategies to reduce the harms of laws that criminalize abortion access. The Fellow will be a fully integrated member of the ACDI team and will engage in legal work critical to the success of the ACDI’s mission.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

• Assist with research, writing, and other legal support of criminal defense attorneys providing direct representation to those involved in abortion care, including research addressing novel questions of constitutional and statutory law
• Assist in tracking of abortion-related prosecutions, and other key litigation and legal developments to identify trends and advocacy opportunities for the initiative
• Assist in design, planning and execution of ACDI trainings and education efforts
• Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials, including communications assets
• Support strategic collaboration and coordination across other ACLU projects, ACLU’s state affiliates, and other partners engaged in criminal defense support to those involved in abortion care
• Assist in identifying opportunities for and advancing including amicus advocacy to limit the harm of laws that criminalize abortion and advance protections for those accessing care
• Assist in evaluation of opportunities for affirmative litigation and execution of affirmative litigation strategies to reduce the harm of laws that criminalize abortion access
• Engage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences as needed
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned

FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL

• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2027
• Admission to practice in DC or NY (dependent on work location); if not currently admitted, agreement to become admitted within one year of hire
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justice
• Willingness to work closely with the ACDI through the funding application process
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion

COMPENSATION

The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The range of salaries are the following, based on year of law school graduation (please consult the hiring manager for specific salary details, based on individual circumstances).

• 0-2 years since law school graduation: $96,069 - $120,009
• 3-5 years since law school graduation: $134,414 - $158,579
• 6-10 years since law school graduation: $165,839 - $187,087
• 11-15 years since law school graduation: $190,585 - $201,403
• 16-20 years since law school graduation: $203,304 - $208,540
• 21-25 years since law school graduation: $209,595 - $213,890
• 26-30+ years since law school graduation: $214,920 - $219,104

The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity i