Staff Attorney, Technology Law & Policy

The Policing Project at New York University School of Law seeks a talented and motivated staff

attorney to join our technology law and policy team.

Join us at the epicenter of the national debate around AI, civil rights, and public safety. New law

enforcement technologies constantly are emerging, and while some hold promise to improve

public safety, they also can pose profound risks to privacy, equity, and other democratic values.

Our technology team is dedicated to promoting the responsible governance of new technologies

— from face recognition and vehicle surveillance systems to AI-driven report writing software

and cutting-edge forensic tools. We take a unique approach among organizations working in the

policing and technology space, partnering closely with policymakers, agencies, vendors,

advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure that new technologies in the public safety sphere are

used transparently, effectively, and in ways that respect civil rights and civil liberties.

The position is based out of the Policing Project’s New York City offices (located at New York

University School of Law).

Background on the Policing Project

The Policing Project is at the forefront of a new approach to addressing the harms of policing.

We believe in “front-end accountability” — that there must be public voice and democratic sign

off before police act, rather than simply when something goes wrong. The goal is achieving

public safety that is equitable, non-discriminatory, and respectful of public values. We pursue

this mission by drafting and promoting legislation to regulate policing, and by litigating where

these principles are not respected. Our work addresses both street policing and the growing use

by police of surveillance technologies and artificial intelligence. Because sending armed officers

to deal with a raft of social problems satisfies no one, we also are working hard to reimagine

public safety from the ground up, relying on non-police alternative first responders. You can

learn more about our work —past and present — at www.PolicingProject.org.

Job Description & Responsibilities

Our technology law and policy team’s work is founded on the conviction that policing

technology must be adopted democratically — with robust oversight and an unwavering

commitment to minimizing harm. Your role will be to help us translate that conviction into

tangible, real-world policy and practice.

This position would entail the following core responsibilities:

 Conducting legal and policy research related to the use of emerging public safety

technologies for our AI Policy Hub

 Drafting and contributing to reports, issue briefs, policy guides, and memoranda

addressing a range of public safety technologies, including:

o Face recognition and other biometric technologies

o Vehicle surveillance systems

o Predictive policing tools

o Drones and robotics

o Emerging DNA and forensic techniques

o Generative AI tools (such as police report-writing software)

 Assisting in the development of AI use policies for policing agencies, working alongside

senior staff and in consultation with advocates, law enforcement, and community

stakeholders

 Supporting a first-of-its-kind effort to develop a repository of body-worn camera footage

for research into policing practices

 Helping to organize and participate in roundtables, workshops, and salons with

policymakers, advocates, researchers, and practitioners

 Collaborating closely with colleagues across the Policing Project, including the

legislative and litigation teams, as well as with external partners

This role offers substantial opportunities for mentorship, skill-building, and increasing

responsibility over time.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

We are seeking a junior attorney who is eager to learn, intellectually curious, and committed to

advancing democratic accountability in policing. Given the innovative and often sensitive nature

of this work, we value strong judgment, thoughtfulness, and a collaborative mindset.

Applicants should have a J.D. and ideally will bring some combination of the following:

 One to three years of legal experience, including internships, clerkships, fellowships, or

entry-level roles in policy, litigation, government, or advocacy

 Familiarity and/or interest in constitutional law, criminal procedure, policing, racial

justice, and civil rights/civil liberties

 Familiarity and/or interest in technology law, AI governance, and the use of emerging

technologies in public safety (prior technical expertise is not required)

 Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills

 Good judgment and the ability to manage multiple tasks

 A collaborative, collegial, and curious approach to work

 Strong organizational skills and a willingness to take initiative

 Thoroughness and attention to detail

The Policing Project strongly encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds

and perspectives, and is an equal opportunity employer.

Compensation also includes excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and vision. After

one year, employees are eligible for tuition remission at certain NYU schools and matching

retirement contributions. Further information regarding benefits can be found here.