First Amendment Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE JOB
The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of the District of Columbia (ACLU-DC) seeks applicants for the full-time position of Deputy Legal Director. This hybrid role is based in Washington, DC.
ACLU-DC protects, promotes, and advances a broad range of constitutional values and individual rights through an integrated advocacy framework, using the tools of litigation, legislative advocacy, communication strategies and public education. ACLU-DC's legal department engages in impact litigation and litigates a broad range of constitutional cases through direct representation, filing amicus briefs, and submitting administrative complaints.
ACLU-DC's current legal docket includes litigation against local authorities on systemic police reform, discrimination, the First Amendment, and more. The docket also includes eighteen cases against policies and practices of the second Trump administration including on immigration, trans rights, voting rights, federal workers' rights, and freedom of speech.
Applications submitted on or before July 12, 2026, will be given priority. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As a member of ACLU-DC's Leadership Team and reporting to the Legal Director, the Deputy Legal Director will advise and assist the Legal Director in overseeing the work of and directly supervising legal department staff, designing legal strategies, defending fundamental freedoms and civil rights, managing internal and external partnerships, and helping chart a strategic course for the ACLU-DC's legal program in the broader context of ACLU-DC's integrated advocacy.
YOUR DAY TO DAY

• Investigate, develop, and litigate civil liberties and civil rights cases. Serve as lead or sole co-counsel on cases litigated jointly with national ACLU or non-ACLU cooperating attorneys.
• Lead or supervise litigation teams, including those involving co-counsel.
• Provide advice and guidance on litigation strategy and legal practice issues.

• Represent the ACLU-DC publicly through speaking engagements, media interviews, and (occasionally) legislative meetings or testimony.

• Fulfill the duties of the Legal Director in the Legal Director's absence.
• Supervise and mentor individual attorneys, legal fellows, and paralegal.
• Work with the Legal Director to ensure that the operations and administration of the Legal Department run smoothly to facilitate its programmatic work.

• Work closely with the Legal Director to align integrated advocacy strategy among the ACLU-DC Legal, Policy, and Communications departments.

• Assist with or lead processes for recruiting, hiring, onboarding and managing legal staff, fellows, and interns.
• Serve as a member of the ACLU-DC's leadership team, consisting of the Executive Director, Chief Program and Strategy Officer, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Chief of Staff, Legal Director, Strategic Communications Director, Policy Advocacy Director, Director of Philanthropy.
• Collaborate with Legal Director and leadership team on strategic budgeting and organizational decision making.
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.

FUTURE ACLU-DC TEAM MEMBERS WILL

• Be committed to advancing the priorities and mission of ACLU-DC
• 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.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• J.D. degree and DC Bar membership (or ability to obtain DC Bar membership promptly through reciprocity or passing next DC Bar examination)
• Significant experience as an attorney and litigator (at least 8-15 years as full-time attorney; at least 5 as full-time litigator)
• Experience litigating complex constitutional civil rights matters.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise legal work product, lead case teams, and directly supervise, mentor and support staff, fellows and interns.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks effectively, and deliver results despite tight deadlines or unexpected challenges while maintaining composure.
• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with a wide range of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in complex legal analysis and fact-finding.
• Ability to work with a wide range of people and foster strong workplace morale and focus on mission.

• Creative and strategic approach to litigation that draws on both legal and non-legal tools.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE
We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer as part of a complete compensation package is essential to not just their work, but also to their overall well-being.
The annual salary range for this position is $130,000 - 148,000.
In addition to salary, ACLU-DC offers a broad range of benefits, which include:

• Time away to focus on the things that matter with generous paid time-off and leave policies, including a 90-day paid sabbatical after five years of service.
• Focus on well-being with employer paid comprehensive healthcare benefits for the employees and family members (including medical, dental and vision coverage)
• Plan for retirement with 401k plan and employer match.
• Reduce student loan debt with employer funded student loan repayment assistance.
• Grow professionally with annual professional development funds and internal professional development programs.

HOW TO APPLY
To complete the application, you will need to upload:

• A resume that lists relevant experience and education
• A cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position.
• A writing sample that is your own work, with a brief explanatory note describing the extent of others' involvement if any. This sample should be no more than 10 pages and may be a section of a larger document (with a cover note explaining the context if it's unclear from the sample alone). The sample must be a litigation-related document containing legal analysis or argument, such as a brief, motion, or research or strategy memo about potential litigation. Complaints and academic articles do not qualify.

Applications without all of the above will not be considered. Please apply through https://acludc.bamboohr.com/careers/57.
HIRING PROCESS
The hiring process stages will consist of:

1. Skills assessment relevant to the role and possible phone screen
2. In-Person Hiring Panel Interview
3. Oral Skills Assessment
4. Final interview with Executive Director

When a candidate enters the final stages of the hiring process, they will be asked to provide a list of four references, including a sentence about each one identifying what information the person can provide. At least two of references should be attorneys the candidate worked with in a practice setting. At least one of your references should be able to speak about your ability to or experience with supervising legal work product or as a supervisor or manager of litigators (which may include student-attorneys or interns).
We are committed to a thorough and transparent hiring process designed to ensure the best fit for both our organization and potential team members. If you have a disability and need accommodation regarding any part of the application process, please contact us at operations@acludc.org
WHY THE ACLU-DC
At ACLU-D.C., we envision a just and free D.C. where all people live without systemic governmental oppression and can exercise their power to protect and expand civil rights, civil liberties, and human dignity.
For 65 years, ACLU-DC has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and DC law. Whether it's reforming our criminal justice system, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, defending the rights of immigrant communities, representing federal workers, or achieving full voting rights for DC residents through DC Statehood, ACLU-DC takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all those who visit, live and work in DC.
ACLU-DC is an affiliate of the national ACLU, one of the nation's foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights with 54 affiliates across the country and in Puerto Rico.
CLASSIFICATION
ACLU-DC recognizes a staff bargaining unit, ACLU-DC Staff United, affiliated with the Washington Baltimore News Guild. This position is a full-time, exempt, management position and not included in ACLU-DC's bargaining unit.
OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
The ACLU of the District of Columbia is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maximizing our team's diversity and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to supporting persons with disabilities in their work and encourage their request for needed job accommodations.
Research shows members of systematically marginalized groups tend to only apply if they meet 100% match for the role. If you are passionate about the priorities and mission of ACLU-DC, and believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.