West Michigan Legal Fellow

• Participate in investigating, developing and litigating impact civil liberties and civil rights cases in federal and state court
• Conduct factual and legal research, draft pleadings and briefs, prepare memoranda, draft Freedom of Information Act requests, write demand letters, conduct discovery, and help write appellate and amicus briefs
• Review, comment, and edit letters and briefs of co-counsel and other ACLU staff
• Communicate with clients
• answer client questions and manage class member interactions in several ongoing pieces of class action litigation
• Support the legal work of the ACLU’s Legal Department
• Advocate for civil liberties and civil rights and represent the ACLU at events and in coalitions
• Work with ACLU staff to implement integrated advocacy campaigns and high-impact strategies
• Contribute to the maintenance of the legal docket
• Work with volunteer lawyers to screen and develop promising civil liberties and civil rights cases
• Assist in managing the West Michigan office

• Must have JD
• Must be admitted to a state bar (Michigan or elsewhere), or become admitted within six months of starting the position
• A strong understanding of, and demonstrated commitment to, civil liberties and civil rights
• Exceptional writing, research and analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills to both legal and non-legal audiences
• Ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other ACLU staff, and community partners
• A commitment to diversity
• Proficiency with computers: Windows, Microsoft Office, and Excel in particular
• Personally committed to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission, goals and programs
• Creative, flexible, well-organized and reliable
• Willing to work beyond 9-5 as needed, including occasional weekend meetings and travel
• Cultural competency to work with a diverse team and effectively partner with diverse communities

Applicants with language skills relevant to immigration-related work in Michigan are encouraged to apply

• Excellent benefits including health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and generous vacation time
• The ACLU of Michigan adheres to the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act requirements