Staff Attorney (Spring 2026 – Spring 2029)

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, granted-funded three-year position for an experienced Staff Attorney. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week.

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

Under the supervision of the Legal Director, the Staff Attorney will litigate a wide variety of civil rights and civil liberties cases in both state and federal courts, acting as lead or co-counsel, and often in partnership with volunteer attorneys, coalition partners, and lawyers from the national ACLU. They will collaborate with staff in other departments to set goals and implement strategies that advance ACLU priorities, act as a spokesperson for the organization, and support policy advocacy efforts to defend the civil rights and civil liberties of people across Maine.

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

• Identify and develop new litigation and other advocacy projects by conducting factual, legal and strategic analysis, identifying and recruiting plaintiffs, and devising relevant theories and materials in a range of cases to defend the civil rights and civil liberties of Maine people.
• Litigate civil 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.
• File public records requests, administrative complaints and amicus briefs in support of litigation and legal advocacy.
• Recruit and work with ACLU of Maine volunteer attorneys who are interested in serving as co-counsel in civil rights litigation. May recruit and oversee the work of legal interns.

Public Engagement, Advocacy, and Leadership

• Serve as a public spokesperson for the ACLU. Respond to interview requests from reporters, contribute to social media, and appear at speaking engagements.
• Work with ACLU staff to implement integrated advocacy campaigns and high-impact strategies utilizing the ACLU’s communication, legislative, community organizing and legal programs.
• Engage with coalition partners, policymakers, and community groups working on similar issues.
• Demonstrate leadership by initiating cases, projects and programs that are sensitive to community needs, are inclusive, and expand the ACLU’s network of supporters.

Qualifications:

• J.D. — licensed to practice law in Maine or have the ability to waive into the Maine state bar within six months.
• 6 or more years of experience leading litigation.
• Experience in civil rights litigation and a demonstrated commitment to and substantive knowledge of civil rights and civil liberties issues.
• Demonstrated ability to litigate independently, jointly and under pressure.
• Proven ability to manage and encourage support staff and volunteers, both students and professionals.
• 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 leadership through 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.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, granted-funded three-year exempt position with a starting salary based on years since law school graduation. The salary range is $86,861 (based on six years since graduation) to $131,385 (based on 20 years since 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 “Staff Attorney” 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 March 16. This position will ideally begin in April or May.