Immigrant Rights Fellow (2026-2028)

ABOUT THE ACLU OF MAINE

We are the Maine affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union. We fight for equality, justice, and freedom for all people in Maine in the statehouse, in the courthouse, and through public education and engagement. We are active in the areas of criminal legal reform, racial justice, immigrants' rights, reproductive freedom, women's rights, Indigenous justice, LGBTQ equality, voting rights, privacy, and freedom of speech and religion. We are a passionate, highly motivated group and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team. To learn more about us, visit our website (https://aclumaine.org/)

OPPORTUNITY

The ACLU of Maine seeks applicants for a full-time, grant-funded 2-year position of Immigrant Rights Fellow. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week. We welcome applicants from both early-career attorneys and current 3Ls who plan to sit for the Maine Bar Exam in summer 2026.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by MSEA, SEIU Local 1989.

Under the supervision of the Legal Director and in close consultation with our Immigrant Rights Staff Attorney, the Immigrant Rights Fellow will:

1. Support and develop new litigation and other advocacy projects to address civil rights abuses impacting immigrants;
2. Support policy advocacy efforts that aim to improve the lives of immigrants; and
3. Strengthen the ACLU’s collaboration and communication with allied organizations working on behalf of immigrants.

This position is based in Portland, with travel as required for litigation, conferences, and other advocacy opportunities.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Specific responsibilities include:

Litigation

• Develop and support strategic litigation and other advocacy projects to address civil rights abuses impacting immigrants in Maine, including, for example, habeas petitions and other legal actions challenging warrantless immigration stops and unlawful detention.
• Litigate immigrants’ rights cases, including working with clients and opposing counsel; performing legal research and factual investigation; drafting pleadings, briefs and legal memoranda; engaging in discovery and motion practice; conducting evidentiary hearings; arguing motions; trying cases; negotiating settlements; and representing clients in appellate proceedings.
• Follow up with individuals who submit complaints to the ACLU or otherwise have experienced civil rights violations, including conducting interviews, gathering affidavits and conducting research to determine whether further action by the ACLU is warranted.
• File public records requests, administrative complaints and amicus briefs in support of litigation and legal advocacy.
• Work with ACLU of Maine volunteer attorneys who are interested in serving as co-counsel in civil rights litigation.

Policy Advocacy

• Build and strengthen relationships and communications with allied organizations, especially groups and coalitions representing detained and non-detained immigrants, border communities, and other targeted populations.
• Work with ACLU legislative and policy advocates and campaigners to advance the ACLU’s goals on immigration and border issues.
• Support legislative advocacy with legal and policy analysis.

Public Engagement and Coordination

• Prepare, coordinate, and facilitate “Know Your Rights” trainings relating to immigrant rights and border issues, including training others in the community to conduct these trainings.
• Articulate ACLU views to a variety of audiences, through public speaking, traditional and social media, and other means.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other ACLU of Maine departments in carrying out the ACLU’s “integrated advocacy” approach.

Qualifications:

• J.D. expected by spring 2026.
• Licensed to practice law in Maine, have the ability to waive into the Maine state bar within six months, or plan to sit for the Maine State Bar Exam in summer 2026.
• Demonstrated interest and experience in immigration law, as shown by law school coursework, legal internships and summer employment, and/or post-graduate employment.
• Demonstrated commitment to and substantive knowledge of civil rights and civil liberties principles.
• Proven ability to manage and encourage support staff and volunteers, both students and professionals.
• Ability to plan effective strategies, establish realistic objectives, and evaluate progress. Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage one’s own work as well as others, and to assure completion of assignments and projects.
• A track record of strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building. Commitment to working with and centering community groups. Ability and flexibility to work in both service and leadership roles with many diverse players and constituencies. Excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated skills in participatory and equitable decision-making.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and speaking skills. A demonstrated ability to write clearly and precisely. The ability to communicate effectively with plaintiffs, opposing counsel, staff, volunteers, and the general public.
• A strong passion for the ACLU of Maine’s mission.
• Fluency in at least one other language is desirable.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time exempt position with the starting salary based on our salary range for attorneys, $70,000-$79,490.25 based on number of years since law school graduation. The salary is non-negotiable, consistent with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Excellent benefits include 20 days paid time off, 10 paid holidays, individual employer-provided health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid family medical leave, and 401(k) plan with employer match of up to 5.5%. Additionally, staff are paid during the following office closures: the first full week in August, the week of Thanksgiving, and from December 24 through January 1.

LOCATION

The ACLU of Maine’s office is based in Portland, Maine. Currently, staff work on a hybrid schedule, with all staff in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. Submit materials to careers@aclumaine.org and include your name and “Immigrant Rights Fellow” in the subject line. If you need assistance or accommodation, contact us at careers@aclumaine.org. Your cover letter should explain ways in which you satisfy the skills and qualifications specified above. We also invite applicants to include information about how their background and/or experiences could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and advocacy work.

The ACLU of Maine is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Maine encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, previous criminal convictions, and veteran status.

HIRING TIMELINE

Applications are due by April 11. We aim to extend an offer in May. The start date for this position will depend on the applicant, with a projected start date in June for attorneys already admitted to the Maine Bar, and a start date in August or September for 2026 graduates and other attorneys who will need to sit for the summer Maine Bar exam or waive into the Maine Bar.