About the role#
The ACLU of Northern California is hiring two Fellows for a two-year term starting in Fall 2027. You will work within the Legal Advocacy department to develop and carry out litigation and policy initiatives. This role involves working under the supervision of the Director of Appellate Advocacy or a Senior Supervising Attorney to advance the organization's strategic goals. The position is full-time and represented by IFPTE Local 20.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal research and analysis, draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and complaints.
- Investigate potential legal claims and manage fact and expert discovery.
- Evaluate state and local legislation to help develop new policy.
- Draft advocacy letters and create public education materials.
- Work in coalition with other organizations, particularly those from impacted communities.
- Participate in team, department, and organizational meetings.
What you'll need#
- A J.D. or an expected J.D. by summer 2027.
- Admission to the California State Bar or a willingness to sit for the next available Bar Examination.
- A commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, and civil rights.
- Strong research and writing skills.
- Experience with complex legal analysis and fact-finding.
- Ability to build relationships with people from diverse racial, social, and economic backgrounds.
- Ability to negotiate and solve problems in coalition settings.
- Strong time and project management skills.
Location & details#
- Locations: Fresno, Sacramento, or San Francisco, California.
- Modality: Hybrid.
- Term: Two-year fellowship starting Fall 2027.
- Compensation: Annual salary of $113,846 to $124,689 depending on experience.
- Note: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
About ACLU of Northern California
The ACLU of Northern California is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco. Founded in 1934, it focuses on civil liberties, litigation, and policy advocacy. The organization employs 113 people and maintains offices in San Francisco and Fresno. It works with a network of 100,000 members and activists across the state.
How to get in at ACLU of Northern California
Securing an internship at the ACLU of Northern California requires speed because early applicants are often reviewed before the volume of interest becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting your materials to a massive, growing pile. You can also reach out to the recruiters behind the company's roles to ask about the position or a potential referral. Intern Insider surfaces these specific contacts, which materially improves your response rates. Reaching out directly is a practical way to show genuine interest in the work of the organization.
