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How much do american civil liberties jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for american civil liberties in the United States is $82,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an American civil liberties attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an American Civil Liberties attorney, you need a strong background in constitutional law, civil rights litigation, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with bar admission. Familiarity with legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis and experience in drafting legal briefs are essential. Exceptional written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, and a passion for advocacy help professionals stand out in this role. These skills are vital for effectively defending civil liberties, navigating complex legal challenges, and influencing policy reform.

What is the difference between American Civil Liberties vs Civil Rights Attorney?

AspectAmerican Civil LibertiesCivil Rights Attorney
Primary FocusProtecting individual freedoms and constitutional rightsLegal advocacy for civil rights violations and discrimination cases
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, government agenciesLaw firms, courts, nonprofit civil rights organizations
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree, law degree, bar admissionLaw degree, bar admission, specialized civil rights training

American Civil Liberties professionals focus on safeguarding constitutional freedoms, often working in advocacy and policy. Civil Rights Attorneys specialize in legal representation and litigation related to civil rights violations. While both roles require legal credentials and often collaborate, their primary functions differ: one emphasizes policy and advocacy, the other legal action.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in American civil liberties roles?

Professionals in American Civil Liberties roles often navigate complex legal and ethical issues while advocating for individual rights. They may face challenges such as balancing conflicting interests, managing high caseloads, and handling emotionally charged situations involving sensitive topics. Collaboration is key, as these roles typically involve working closely with legal teams, community organizations, and sometimes government agencies. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential for addressing rapidly evolving legal landscapes and public concerns.

What are American civil liberties?

American civil liberties are the fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Constitution, particularly in the Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to privacy. These liberties safeguard individuals from government overreach and ensure equal protection under the law. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) work to defend and preserve these rights for everyone in the United States.
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American Civil Liberties jobs near you
Infographic showing various American Civil Liberties job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,674 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Paralegal

New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position: Paralegal
Department: Legal
Terms of Employment: Full-Time/Non-Exempt (Local 2320 Union Position) NYCLU staff are currently working in a hybrid model. A number of in-person days will be required.
Location: New York Civil Liberties Union, 125 Broad Street, NY, NY 10004
Salary: $55,000 - $60,000 (Subject to the NYCLU's salary scale and commensurate with experience and qualifications).
Application Deadline: September 7, 2026 (Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled).
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is one of the nation's leading advocates on behalf of constitutional rights and liberties. Founded in 1951, as the New York affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, the NYCLU is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization with more than 90,000 members and supporters, and eight offices statewide. We work in the courts, in the legislatures and on the streets to advocate for racial and economic justice, free speech, freedom of religion, privacy and equality before the law for all New Yorkers. For more information, please visit our website: www.nyclu.org .
DEI VISION STATEMENT
The NYCLU is committed to building an equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist workplace that centers the voices of marginalized and directly impacted communities. This commitment strengthens our mission to protect civil liberties and advance justice across New York. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people, and others whose experiences reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
The New York Civil Liberties Union is seeking a full-time paralegal to assist its attorneys involved in civil rights and civil liberties litigation. The paralegal will be based in the NYCLU's New York City office, but travel within New York State may be required. The NYCLU's Legal Department is comprised of seventeen lawyers, a director of legal operations, an investigator, three paralegals, a data analyst, and a legal assistant. Legal Department staff work on a wide range of civil rights and civil liberties cases in federal and state courts. They also participate in the legislative, advocacy, and communications work of the NYCLU.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Prepare and execute filings of a variety of legal documents, including briefs, motions, court forms, petitions, subpoenas, and discovery documents.
  • Maintain electronic and paper case files, including pleadings, correspondence, discovery, and other materials.
  • Communicate/coordinate with clients, court personnel, co-counsel, partner organizations, etc.
  • Track and conduct interviews with potential clients through intake.
  • Draft and mail correspondence, declarations, notices, and various court/legal documents.
  • Manage logistics for depositions, oral arguments, court hearings, and other events.
  • Assist attorneys with legal and other research, including cite-checking, factual research and Internet searches.
  • Support various investigatory, research, advocacy, and case-related projects as needed.
  • Take notes, assist with scheduling, help with word processing, and carry out other general clerical and administrative duties.
  • Attend court conferences, hearings or public meetings as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 1-2 years of related experience in a legal setting.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Excellent word-processing, proofreading, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work well with others in a collegial and diverse environment.
  • Ability to work well under pressure, including some evenings and weekends.
  • Ability to manage time and tasks independently, problem-solve, and manage multiple projects and cases simultaneously.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • In addition to the above requirements, knowledge of legal terminology and legal principles; familiarity with legal case management software; familiarity with legal citation conventions; experience with electronic court filing systems; experience with electronic legal research tools (i.e., Westlaw, Lexis); experience with handling data and using data-analysis software (such as Excel) is strongly preferred.
  • Fluency in Spanish or in other languages commonly spoken in New York is a plus.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and cover letter that includes your unique qualifications for this position, and where or how you learned of this job posting via https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4374430/New-York-Civil-Liberties-Union-Foundation/Paralegal Given the number of applications received, NYCLU will only contact applicants selected for an interview.
The NYCLU is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, national origin, citizenship, marital status , sexual orientation, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and having a workforce that reflects the population that we serve.
The NYCLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please e-mail ldecicco@nyclu.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodation for the interview process.
This position may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

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