Sponsorship for Legal Fellowship
Job Description
Department: Legal
Employment Type: Temporary - Fellowship
Supervisory: No
Union Position: Yes
Pay Class: Exempt
Location: Houston preferred. Must reside in Texas.
SPONSORSHIP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE LEGAL FELLOWSHIP
The ACLU of Texas is accepting applications from recent law graduates and graduating third-year law students to be sponsored for third-party fellowship funding sources. The fellow will be an integral part of our team, working closely with attorneys in the Legal Department. The position will provide recent graduates with a unique opportunity to participate in our cutting-edge legal work and gain practical hands-on experience.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The ACLU is the nation’s foremost defender of civil liberties and civil rights, dedicated to defending the Bill of Rights and advocating for marginalized communities through litigation, legislation, and public education. The ACLU of Texas, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Houston, is the seventh-largest ACLU affiliate in the nation. The ACLU of Texas has regional offices in Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, and El Paso.
Whether it’s protecting the rights of immigrants, ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBT community, or preserving the right to vote and reproductive rights, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil rights and liberties cases to defend all people from government abuse and overreach.
Fellows at the ACLU of Texas play a critical role in advancing the ACLU’s mission to uphold constitutional rights. Fellows provide critical assistance and leadership on impact litigation and integrated advocacy. Fellows also work collaboratively with National ACLU legal projects and ACLU of Texas communication, political, and policy departments. Fellows are also responsible for engaging in public speaking and community outreach and education.
As an integral part of our team, the fellow will work closely with attorneys in the Legal Department. The position will provide recent graduates with a unique opportunity to participate in cutting-edge legal work and gain practical hands-on experience. The fellow will lead a project that addresses important civil rights and liberties issues.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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Assist in litigation.
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Investigate complaints.
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Complete fact research and legal analysis.
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Draft memoranda in preparation for litigation of civil rights cases.
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Perform other duties as assigned
COMPETENCIES
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Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
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Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a team.
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Self-motivated with the ability to take the initiative, manage a variety of tasks, and see projects through to completion.
QUALIFICATIONS
JD with up to three years of experience preferred.
Broad substantive knowledge of constitutional law and a strong and demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights.
Expertise in LGBT, voting, immigration, criminal justice, policing, and/or reproductive rights issues strongly preferred.
Exceptional analytic, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Demonstrated experience working in fast-paced environment with keen ability to work on multiple projects at the same time, set priorities, manage work, and meet deadlines.
Enthusiasm, patience, and cultural competence to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with cooperating attorneys, ACLU and other public interest attorneys; communications, development, outreach and policy/political strategies staff members; and with diverse community organizations and coalitions.
Experience working with marginalized or vulnerable communities.
Ability to effectively communicate legal concepts to a variety of audiences, including judges, community residents, and policymakers.
Personal enthusiasm, optimism, and a sense of humor.
A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance.
Willingness to travel and work long hours, including nights and weekends as needed for litigation, legislative and policy advocacy, conferences, and public speaking.
Licensed to practice law and a member of the State Bar of Texas (or willingness to secure admission at the next available opportunity).
COMPENSATION
Salary range is comparable to other public interest law firms in the area, with excellent benefits and within parameters of the ACLU compensation scale. Starting salary for this role is $70,000.
To Apply
The ACLU of Texas will work with the sponsored fellow to develop a proposal for a school-funded and externally-funded fellowship within these broad parameters. We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June 1, 2026. Please complete your application and include cover letter, resume, and writing sample.
This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Texas reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.
The ACLU of Texas is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Texas encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
The ACLU of Texas undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.
