The Staff Attorney helps advance ACLUM’s civil rights and civil liberties agenda in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, across the entire range of ACLU of Massachusetts priority issue areas. The focus of this role is to develop and pursue litigation, perform legal research and analysis, participate in developing strategies for both litigation and non-litigation advocacy, and contribute to ACLUM’s integrated advocacy between departments. This position reports to an assigned Managing Attorney and works closely with members of the Legal Department, cooperating attorneys, and other ACLUM departments to achieve litigation and other advocacy objectives for the organization.

The ideal candidate will have legal experience in one or more of the following areas: privacy, surveillance and technology; criminal law and civil litigation challenging various stages of the criminal legal system; race, gender, LGBTQIA+, and/or disability discrimination; or free expression and/or religious freedoms.

Essential Duties

Litigation Advocacy

Work on legal cases related to ACLUM priority issues
Perform legal research, analysis, and assist with strategy development for litigation
Evaluate and investigate potential claims for litigation
Identify potential clients for cases related to ACLUM priority issues
Research and draft legal advocacy and demand letters
Draft pleadings, motions, merits briefs, amicus briefs and complaints
Conduct and defend depositions and engage in written discovery
Participate in and present oral arguments in state and federal courts
Assist the Legal Resources team in responding to legal resource requests
Draft public records requests and review and analyze responses
Serve as liaison with cooperating attorneys as assigned

Non-Litigation Advocacy

Collaborate with the Legislative team to review and analyze priority legislation and legislative testimony
Collaborate with the Field team to incorporate legal content in public education materials related to ACLUM priority issues
Collaborate with the Communications team to respond to media inquiries as requested
Participate in public speaking engagements as assigned and in partnership with the Communications team
Participate in external issue-focused coalitions and working groups

Other Responsibilities

Special projects and other tasks as assigned by the Legal Director and supervising Managing Attorney

Qualifications, Experience and Attributes

Juris Doctor Degree required
Massachusetts Bar admission or ability to promptly obtain admission
Three to five years’ litigation experience, and legal experience working in ACLUM priority issue areas
Civil litigation experience at both the trial and appellate levels
Demonstrated strength in legal analysis, writing and oral presentation
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure
Strong ability to communicate with diverse audiences in both written and oral presentations
Excellent interpersonal skills, and proven effectiveness in collaboration and coordination with internal and external partners
Strong belief in the ACLU’s mission and work to defend and strengthen civil rights and civil liberties
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Respect for differences in race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, and socio-economic background

Key Performance Indicators

Creativity in development of legal analysis
Effective execution of strategy in litigation and other advocacy work
Efficient use of time in litigation, including the anticipation and meeting of deadlines
Thorough handling of research, discovery and motion practice
Persuasiveness of drafted pleadings and briefings
Effectiveness in presentation of oral arguments in court and/or participation in trials
Proactivity, clarity, and sensitivity in communications
Active engagement in non-litigation advocacy
Effectiveness in collaboration with ACLUM colleagues, cooperating attorneys, and other stakeholders

Other Requirements

Frequent written and verbal communication
Extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing information, in hard-copy and electronic format
Frequent and extended periods of being in a stationary position, in an office environment and outdoor venues
Ability to frequently and independently travel to various locations across Massachusetts
Flexibility to accommodate work outside of regular business hours when warranted, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience and consistent with ACLUM’s collective bargaining agreement. Estimated minimum annual salary of $105,000, which may be higher depending on the selected candidate’s experience. Benefits include medical and dental insurance for employees and their eligible dependents, a matching 401(k) plan, and paid time off, including vacation and holidays.

About the ACLU of Massachusetts

The ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) was founded in 1920 and is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that works to preserve and expand the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Through strategies of litigation, advocacy, public education, and grassroots activism, we strengthen and expand public understanding of racial justice, juvenile justice, LGBTQ rights (including equal marriage), women's rights, criminal justice issues, equal opportunity, free speech and assembly, privacy rights, religious liberty, students' rights, voting rights, and reproductive rights. ACLUM staff are unionized and this position is within the bargaining unit.

ACLUM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and formerly incarcerated people to apply.

This position is based in Boston, MA and eligible for a hybrid work schedule, being in-person an average of three days per week, with the ability to be in the office on any given day as needed and assigned. Residency in Massachusetts or within a 60-mile radius of Boston in a contiguous New England state is required. ACLUM has a Covid-19 vaccine mandate, and candidates receiving a job offer will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment. Exemptions to this requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law. Applicants should be aware that fully remote work will not be deemed a reasonable accommodation.

Summary