The American Civil Liberties Union is preparing for a concentrated legal offensive against systemic government misconduct, signaling a strategic push to dismantle the machinery of mass incarceration and deportation. In a move that reflects the high stakes of the current political and legal climate, the organization is recruiting for a specialized role within its Criminal Law Reform Project (CLRP), seeking a Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel to lead impact litigation across the United States.
This is not a standard career appointment; it is a two-year, limited-term position designed for immediate, targeted impact. The role is specifically geared toward challenging the legacy and execution of the Trump Administration’s agendas regarding mass incarceration and deportation. By focusing on the intersection of federal and state law enforcement conduct, the ACLU aims to protect the constitutional rights of those most vulnerable to the carceral state—specifically targeting abuses rooted in race, class and systemic oppression.
Based in New York, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C., the position operates on a hybrid model, requiring a physical presence in the office two days per week or eight days per month. For a seasoned litigator, the role represents a chance to move beyond individual casework and engage in “impact litigation”—the practice of bringing lawsuits intended to create systemic change and shift national legal narratives.
A Strategic Mandate for Systemic Change
The Criminal Law Reform Project does not merely defend individuals; it attacks the policies that make those defenses necessary. The incoming attorney will report to either the Director or the Deputy Director for Policing, managing a docket of active and developing lawsuits that challenge unconstitutional practices by law enforcement agents.
The day-to-day reality of the role is a blend of rigorous courtroom work and high-level strategic coordination. The attorney will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of a case: investigating potential lawsuits, drafting pleadings, engaging in discovery, and arguing before state and federal courts. However, the ACLU’s approach is “integrated,” meaning the legal work is designed to feed into broader policy goals. This requires the attorney to collaborate with the organization’s Communications, Political Advocacy, and Data & Analytics departments to ensure that a victory in the courtroom translates into a victory in public policy.
Beyond the courtroom, the role serves as a bridge. The attorney will provide strategic counsel to local ACLU affiliates and cooperating partners, ensuring that legal challenges are coordinated and consistent across different jurisdictions. This collaborative framework is essential for confronting a carceral system that is often fragmented across state and federal lines.
Defining the Professional Hierarchy and Compensation
The ACLU employs a transparent, experience-based pay scale for its legal department, removing much of the guesswork typically associated with non-profit salary negotiations. The specific title assigned to the hire depends strictly on their years of professional experience post-law school graduation.
Those with 8 to 15 years of experience are designated as Senior Staff Attorneys, while those with 16 or more years are brought in as Senior Counsel. This hierarchy is mirrored in the compensation structure, which accounts for the high cost of living in the organization’s primary hubs. While the salaries listed are based on New York City headquarters, the ACLU applies regional adjustments for those authorized to work in other locations.
| Years Since Graduation | Title/Level | Salary Range (NYC Base) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 Years | Staff Attorney | $96,069 – $120,009 |
| 6–10 Years | Staff Attorney | $165,839 – $187,087 |
| 11–15 Years | Senior Staff Attorney | $190,585 – $201,403 |
| 16–20 Years | Senior Counsel | $203,304 – $208,540 |
| 26–30+ Years | Senior Counsel | $214,920 – $219,104 |
It is also notable that this position is part of a collective bargaining unit, represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU), reflecting a broader trend of professionalization and labor organization within the civil liberties sector.
Requirements: The Blend of Skill and Lived Experience
The ACLU is not looking for a generalist. The ideal candidate must possess a J.D. And bar admission in at least one U.S. Jurisdiction, with a proven track record in civil litigation. However, the organization explicitly values “lived experience” alongside academic and professional credentials. The project seeks attorneys who have a deep-seated commitment to racial justice, whether that stems from a career as a criminal defense lawyer or from being a formerly incarcerated person.
Preferred qualifications highlight the technical nature of the upcoming battles. The ACLU is prioritizing candidates with:
- Expertise in Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
- Experience with complex civil rights class actions.
- The ability to use data analysis as a tool for litigation and advocacy.
- Experience representing vulnerable clients within the criminal legal system.
- A track record of working with the press to draft op-eds or conduct media appearances to shift public narrative.
This combination of technical legal skill and communicative agility is critical. In the realm of impact litigation, the goal is often to win the “court of public opinion” simultaneously with the court of law, using legal filings to highlight systemic failures that the general public may not otherwise see.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional career advice. For official application details and requirements, please refer to the ACLU’s official careers portal.
The next phase for interested candidates is the formal application process through the ACLU’s recruitment channels. Given the two-year limited term of the position, the organization is likely seeking a rapid onboarding process to begin challenging pending and future law enforcement actions. Updates on the project’s litigation milestones and new filings are typically posted via the ACLU’s official website.
Do you believe impact litigation is the most effective tool for systemic reform, or should the focus be on legislative change? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
