Staff Attorney, Term-Limited

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU-MN) seeks a Staff Attorney (Two-Year Temporary) to join our team.

About Us: For over 70 years, the ACLU-MN has been a leader in defending and advancing civil liberties. As we grow our team, now is the perfect time to join our mission-driven organization.

Job Summary:

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota seeks applicants for a temporary, two-year full-time position of Staff Attorney to join our team! The Staff Attorney will be a dynamic professional who is looking for a meaningful opportunity in a proven and vibrant organization that makes profound differences in the lives of individuals. Our mission is timely, our staff is committed to protecting civil liberties, and we are poised to succeed, with a growing community of more than 30,000 donors and members.

At the ACLU of Minnesota, we take pride in our reputation of nearly 70 years fighting the hard fight for people whose civil liberties are threatened or denied. And now—as we navigate the current threats to our civil liberties—is the ideal time to join us!

Under the direction of the Legal Director, the Staff Attorney will represent clients in litigation and other forms of dispute resolution to protect their civil liberties, with an emphasis on impact litigation that furthers our policy priorities. This is a two-year term-limited position.

The ACLU-MN has increased its level of operations in order to fight the current administration’s broad attacks on civil liberties while continuing to vigorously move forward the work of our existing projects—much of which will also be affected by the actions of the administration: protecting the rights of immigrants; criminal justice reform; systemic racism and Native American rights; freedom of speech; LGBTQ+ rights; and reproductive freedom.

This two-year term-limited attorney position will increase our capacity to push forward our affirmative agenda as well as engage in fast-moving, defensive battles against the current administration’s policies.

The position is based in our Minneapolis office, providing access to the best that the Twin Cities area offers. The ACLU of Minnesota currently employs a hybrid work environment with some level of remote work acceptable.

Key Responsibilities:

Our Staff Attorney (Two-Year Position) will be part of the legal team by:

• Researching, investigating, developing, and litigating impact litigation in state and federal courts to protect civil liberties and civil rights in cases consistent with our strategic policy priorities. This includes conducting factual and legal research, preparing memoranda, writing demand letters, drafting pleadings and briefs, conducting discovery, arguing motions, trying cases, writing appellate briefs, presenting oral arguments on appeal, and writing amicus briefs.
• Doing legal research, investigating facts, identifying clients, and developing professional relationships with them, negotiating with opposing parties, and handling all aspects of trials and appeals.
• Handling cases independently, with other members of the legal staff, with pro bono cooperating lawyers, and with other ACLU-affiliated lawyers.
• Drafting amicus briefs in cases of constitutional significance.
• Recruiting and working with volunteer attorneys, interns, and externs.
• Working with and mentoring other attorneys to help them develop and expand their litigation skills and constitutional law expertise.

This role will also participate in advocacy and community engagement by:

• Doing non-litigation advocacy, including supporting partnerships with community organizations, helping with outreach and know-your-rights presentations, public speaking, and interacting with the media.
• Working with other ACLU-MN staff to implement integrated-advocacy campaigns and high-impact strategies using ACLU-MN’s communication, legislative, community outreach/organizing, and legal programs.
• Working with community engagement staff to engage with the community by building and nurturing relationships and participating in regular conversations with community members, partners, and leaders.
• Presenting testimony before legislative bodies and administrative agencies as requested by policy staff.
• Participating in public education on civil liberties issues by speaking at public events and publishing articles and essays.

Qualifications - Our new Staff Attorney will have these essential attributes:

• Juris Doctorate and at least three (3) years of litigation, or commensurate experience, preferably in litigation raising civil liberties and civil rights issues.
• Admitted to practice and in good standing in the Minnesota Supreme Court.
• A strong understanding of and demonstrated commitment to the mission of the ACLU-MN, preferably with experience in public interest, non-profit advocacy and/or work with communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and persons with disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and collaborate with other lawyers.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse staff, coalitions, and community groups.
• Exceptional skills in legal research and writing, complex legal analysis, interviewing and fact investigation, oral advocacy, negotiation, and interpersonal communication.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socioeconomic circumstance.

We appreciate candidates who also bring:

• Knowledge of Spanish, Hmong, East African languages, or other languages likely to be spoken by clients with limited English proficiency.
• Knowledge of immigration law and/or experience engaging in immigrants’ rights advocacy.
• Ability to synthesize complex issues and communicate them effectively to juries, judges, elected officials, the media, and the general public.
• Adaptability, organizational skills, and self-motivation.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Reports to: Legal Director

Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with experience within the range of $80,000 to $90,000 per year.

The ACLU-MN offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, generous time off, flexible in-person or hybrid work schedules, and substantial professional development opportunities.

This position is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with the Minnesota Newspaper & Communication Guild, TNG-CWA Local 37002.

To Apply: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019cbf0077f07c04880520c2f182ebdb

Position is open until filled, with a priority deadline of April 3rd, 2026.

To be included in the application, be prepared to upload (in Word or PDF format):

1. Resume
2. Letter of interest
3. One legal writing sample of no longer than five pages
4. Links to up to two additional relevant writing samples (optional)
5. A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement (up to ~ 800 words or 1 page) which describes your experiences, personal commitment, and/or values related to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
6. Three professional references (list relationship to you, email address, and phone numbers). References will not be contacted unless you are a finalist.

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

The ACLU of Minnesota employs affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities have full employment opportunities in all positions. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodation in the application process to contact rhendrix@aclu-mn.org.

The ACLU-MN offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, generous time off, flexible in-person or hybrid work schedules, and substantial professional development opportunities.