Fall 2027 Marvin M. Karpatkin Fellowship, Racial Justice Program
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Aclu · New York, NYPrepare for this interview
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About the role
The ACLU seeks applicants for the Karpatkin Fellowship , a full-time, two-year fellowship in the Racial Justice Program (RJP) of the ACLU's National office in New York, NY . This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. The Racial Justice Program (RJP) is part of the ACLU's Trone Center for Justice and Equality. The Trone Center works to combat racial discrimination; to ensure that our criminal justice system is fair, and free of racial bias; to advocate for humane and constitutional conditions of confinement; and to abolish the death penalty as a legitimate form of punishment. The Trone Center for Justice and Equality also includes the Criminal Law Reform Project, Capital Punishment Project, and the National Prison Project. Often working with the ACLU's 53 affiliates and chapters nationwide, RJP uses litigation, legislative advocacy and public education to challenge government and private sector attacks on educational, public health, housing, and employment equity initiatives. We also challenge a range of discriminatory criminal legal system practices that unfairly disadvantage communities of color, and work to ensure robust civil rights enforcement in the use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Responsibilities
- Reporting to the Deputy Project Director, the Karpatkin Fellow will be a core member of a collaborative, dedicated team working to advance the ACLU's racial justice work.
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 6, 2026.
- YOUR DAY TO DAY
- Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation
- Conduct factual investigation to identify policies and practices that can be challenged through litigation
- Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs
- Review and analyze documents to support litigation and advocacy
- Interview witnesses and potential clients
- Participate in discovery and trial practice
- Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials
- Provide support and assistance to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys
- Help manage summer legal internship program and supervise student interns
- Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned
- FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL
- Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
- 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
Requirements
- EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- J.D. degree at time of hire
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, and racial 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 as well as within a team
- Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion
- Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
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