ACLU-D.C. Dunn Legal Fellowship (Fall 2026), USA
Description
Are you a recent law school graduate or a law student with a passion for civil liberties, social justice, and public interest law? The ACLU of the District of Columbia (ACLU-D.C.) is now accepting applications for the Dunn Fellowship – Fall 2026, a prestigious full-time legal fellowship in Washington, D.C. focused on civil rights litigation, legal advocacy, and policy reform.
This is a one- to two-year legal fellowship (two years preferred) offering emerging attorneys a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, policy, and community justice. The position begins in Fall 2026 and offers a salary of $70,000 annually, along with generous benefits.
About the Dunn Fellowship
The Dunn Legal Fellowship is designed for law students or recent graduates (JD holders by Fall 2026) who want to launch their careers in public interest law. Fellows will be integrated into the ACLU-D.C. Legal Department, working closely with experienced civil rights litigators on high-impact cases and legislative advocacy.
The fellowship’s focus includes litigation against unjust government practices, defending individual liberties, and engaging in legal reform efforts that address systemic inequities in Washington, D.C.
Key Fellowship Responsibilities:
- Conduct legal research and draft complaints, motions, and legal briefs
- Interview witnesses and potential clients
- Investigate new case opportunities through FOIA requests and community engagement
- Participate in discovery, depositions, and court hearings
- Collaborate with the policy team on D.C. Council legislation
- Assist with Know Your Rights trainings and public education
Past Dunn Fellows have taken depositions, argued in court, developed their own cases, testified before the D.C. Council, and spoken to the media—gaining real-world experience few early-career lawyers receive elsewhere.
Degree Level
ACLU-D.C. Dunn Legal Fellowship (Fall 2026), USA is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at USA Universities.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- Law
Benefits
- $70,000 annual salary
- Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- 401(k) with partial employer match
- Tuition repayment assistance
- Union-represented position (staff bargaining unit)
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Fellowship Qualifications:
- J.D. degree by Fall 2026
- Membership in the D.C. Bar or plans to seek admission
- Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
- Commitment to civil rights and social justice
- At least one clinical, externship, or summer internship in a U.S. litigation setting
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and follow through in a fast-paced environment
Application Procedure
Application Deadline: July 28, 2025
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.
To apply, visit: www.acludc.org/careers
Submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- List of 3 references (with a note about each person's connection to you)
- Law school transcript or course list
- Legal writing sample (e.g., memo or brief – not edited by others)
If you require any accommodation during the application process, contact: hr@acludc.org
Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity
The ACLU-D.C. is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals of all backgrounds—especially from underrepresented communities—are encouraged to apply. The organization embraces diversity and inclusion across race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, and more.
