Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel, Speech, Privacy & Technology Project

Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel (Speech, Privacy & Technology Project)

New York, New York, United States

The ACLU seeks applicants for the term‑limited, full‑time position of Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel (Two‑Year) in the Speech, Privacy & Technology Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY. This hybrid role requires in‑office duties of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.

The ACLU’s Project on Speech, Privacy, and Technology (SPT) protects and expands First Amendment freedoms of expression, association, and inquiry; expands the right to privacy and increases the control individuals have over their personal information; and ensures that civil liberties are enhanced rather than compromised by new advances in science and technology. The project works on a variety of issues, including political protest, freedom of expression online, privacy of electronic information, journalists’ rights, scientific freedom, and openness in the courts.

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

Reporting to the Project Director, the Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel will function as an integral part of the Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project and will work on our extensive docket of First and Fourth Amendment cases. This is a two‑year term‑limited position. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by November 17, 2025
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• Participate in litigation at all levels of federal and state courts, including conducting legal and factual research, interviewing clients, drafting briefs and pleadings, and engaging in discovery and motion practice
• Draft amicus curiae briefs
• Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative and policy work
• Advance ACLU policy goals through public education and through organizing and participating in coalitions
• Supervise student interns on relevant assignments
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned

• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU and to the ACLU’s historic role as a guardian of free speech and privacy
• 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

• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills

• Skill at performing complex legal analytical work
• Demonstrated commitment to public‑interest law
• Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
• Ability to self‑start and excellent interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of First and/or Fourth Amendment issues is preferred, but not required
• Litigation experience is preferred, but not required

The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The range of salaries is 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: $92,374‑$115,393
• 3‑5 years since law school graduation: $129,244‑$152,480
• 6‑10 years since law school graduation: $159,461‑$179,891
• 11‑15 years since law school graduation: $183,255‑$193,657
• 16‑20 years since law school graduation: $195,485‑$200,519
• 21‑25 years since law school graduation: $201,534‑$205,663
• 26‑30+ years since law school graduation: $206,654‑$210,677

The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. These salaries are reflective of positions based in New York, NY where the National Offices are headquartered. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.

• Generous paid time‑off policy
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment)
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Annual professional development…