New York Civil Liberties Union · 3 months ago
Senior Staff Attorney / Staff Attorney
New York, NY
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$97K/yr - $101K/yr
3+ years expThe New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is a leading advocate for constitutional rights and liberties, focusing on racial and economic justice. They are seeking an experienced racial justice legal expert to support their Racial Justice Center's strategic priorities, with a focus on intersectionality in civil rights issues such as environmental racism and Indigenous rights.
LegalNon ProfitSocial
Responsibilities
Independently review state and local legislation and engage in related legislative advocacy and lobbying in connection with the Racial Justice Center strategic priorities
Developing and conducting litigation in federal and state courts and in administrative forums. All NYCLU attorneys are responsible for identifying possible litigation and advocacy, preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs; conducting discovery; presenting oral arguments; and handling all aspects of appeals
Engaging in pre-litigation analysis including evaluating and following up on intakes; conducting factual investigations and legal analyses; utilizing the Freedom of Information Law; and drafting demand letters
Develop strong relationships with civil rights advocacy organizations and represent the NYCLU in multi-organization coalitions and working groups
Work in close collaboration with the NYCLU’s legal department on developing RJC litigation strategies to promote and expand racial justice litigation priorities including close collaboration with the legal department in developing claims, preparing pleadings and briefs, conducting discovery and depositions, handle hearings and trials, and argue motions and appeals
Prepares and delivers testimony at public hearings and drafting public comments
In collaboration with NYCLU communications staff, provide expert commentary to the media, participate in media briefings, and contribute to op-eds, blog posts, and other publications
Work closely with staff across the NYCLU—including the Education Policy Center, Legal, Policy, and Field Departments, and our Regional Offices—to ensure that the NYCLU has an integrated approach to furthering the RJC’s mission
Qualification
Required
At least 3-5 years of relevant experience
Must reside in or plan to relocate to New York
Must be licensed to practice in New York State
Experience with litigation, drafting and amending legislation and legislative advocacy, community engagement, and leading legal priorities
Significant experience working in policy, legal, or government settings; high familiarity with public and legislative policy, and legal procedures
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with organizations representing communities of color, including Black, Latine, AMEMSA, AAPI, and Indigenous communities and/or Tribes
Ability to work independently as well as within a team
Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills
Excellent research, writing, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to communicate complex legal and policy issues to government decision makers and the general public
Ability to work and communicate quickly and accurately, managing multiple projects and deliverables under pressure
Meaningfully commits to and supports the NYCLU's internal and external commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Must be willing to travel throughout New York State
Preferred
Preferred experience working on racial justice issues, such as environmental racism, infrastructure equity, land-use laws, restorative principles such as reparations, education equity, and Indigenous rights
Benefits
This position may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Company
New York Civil Liberties Union
NYCLU is one of the nation's foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
Central New York Business Journal
2025-10-12
2025-10-09
2025-10-06
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