The ACLU of Nebraska is expanding capacity to develop impact litigation on systemic civil liberties and civil rights issues impacting people who are immigrants in Nebraska. The ACLU-NE seeks applicants with approximately 0-2 years of litigation experience, or experience as a judicial law clerk, for a two-year legal fellowship.

The ACLU-NE may explore additional funding and support to continue this position beyond the initial two-year grant funded position but makes no guarantees. The Immigration Legal Fellow will work closely with Legal & Policy Counsels and will report directly to the Legal Director. The Legal Fellow will also collaborate with other team members in administration, development, and communications from time to time. Attorneys play a critical leadership role in advancing the ACLU-NE’s mission to uphold constitutional rights by developing and managing impact litigation and engaging in integrated advocacy.

Overview  

The ACLU-NE is the state affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union, a nonpartisan public interest civil rights organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of civil liberties and civil rights through litigation, policy advocacy and public education. The ACLU-NE is proud to foster a fun and fast-paced work environment. Our offices are in the heart of Nebraska’s capital city, Lincoln, Nebraska. Our 10-person team is complemented by law clerks, interns, volunteer attorneys, and thousands of supporters statewide.

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Conduct legal and policy research and analysis to develop cases or present testimony before the Legislature
• Draft policy reports, legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs
• Assist with intake
• Interview witnesses and potential clients
• Participate in discovery and motion and trial practice
• Provide support and assistance to ACLU-NE clients, legal staff, and cooperating attorneys
• Engage in public speaking and attend community meetings to provide know your rights trainings and other educational activities
• Occasionally assist with supervising student interns/law clerks

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

The ACLU-NE is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU-NE encourages applications from all qualified and eligible individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The ACLU-NE makes every effort to ensure that its recruitment and employment provide all qualified and eligible persons, including persons with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions. The ACLU-NE is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying, please e-mail agagner@aclunebraska.org or call 402-476-8091. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.  

Civil rights and civil liberties violations disproportionately hurt the most marginalized people in society – including Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, immigrants, women and LGBTQ+ people. These communities must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or those who are members of other marginalized communities.

Compensation and Benefits  

This is a full-time exempt role. The salary range for this position ranges from $50,000-$70,000, depending on experience and skills. Excellent benefits include vacation, sick leave, and parental leave, generous health, dental, and vision insurance with employee and family premiums paid 100% by the employer, a 401k match, cell phone stipend, hybrid work options, and paid parking.

Application Procedure  

To apply, email a cover letter and resume to jobs@aclunebraska.org with the subject line: Immigration Legal Fellow. In your cover letter, please indicate where you learned of the position. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, which will not be before June 15, 2023.

Desired Experiences and Qualifications 

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Admission to the Nebraska Bar or eligibility for admission
• Demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, immigrants’ rights and justice
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently and within a team
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Demonstrated commitment to professional legal ethics
• Candidates fluent in languages other than English are strongly encouraged to apply as are candidates with experience in policy, government, community organizing, or electoral campaigns.