About the role#
The ACLU of New Jersey invites rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to apply for a sponsorship opportunity. We partner with you to develop a project proposal focused on voting rights in New Jersey. We then help you secure funding through organizations like Equal Justice Works, Justice Catalyst, and the Skadden Fellowship Foundation, or through law school fellowship programs. While we do not provide independent internal funding, we pay our fellows on the same scale as staff attorneys, starting at $77,000 for new law graduates, even if external funding is lower.
What you'll do#
- Work on lawsuits and advocate for clients.
- Collaborate with legal staff to develop and refine your project proposal.
- Engage with political advocacy and communications teams to advance legislation and public education.
- Participate in hearings, meetings, and events across New Jersey.
- Craft pitches to external funders and prepare for interviews.
What you'll need#
- A strong commitment to racial equity.
- Passion for civil rights and civil liberties.
- Experience in litigation (such as a clinic or clerkship) or policy advocacy.
- Ability to work independently and manage projects.
- Critical thinking skills and the ability to write clearly and accessibly.
- An understanding of how power manifests across different identities and socio-economic circumstances.
Location & details#
- This position is based in Newark, New Jersey.
- The role operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring two days per week in the office.
- This is a full-time fellowship starting in Fall 2027.
About ACLU of New Jersey
The ACLU of New Jersey is a non-profit organization based in Newark. It focuses on the protection of individual rights and liberties under state and federal constitutions. The group works through legal, legislative, and community channels to promote equity. It has operated since 1960 and currently employs 48 people.
How to get in at ACLU of New Jersey
Securing an internship at the ACLU of New Jersey requires timing your application to ensure it lands before the candidate pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first and increases the likelihood of your materials being reviewed early. Using these alerts helps you stay ahead of the typical application rush. Reaching out to the recruiters behind the ACLU of New Jersey roles can also improve your chances of getting a response. Intern Insider surfaces the specific people managing these openings, allowing you to reach out directly to inquire about the role or request a referral. This direct approach often yields better results than submitting an application into a general queue.
