Paralegal, Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief

Posted 7/29/2026 · last confirmed live 9/2/2026

ABOUT THE JOB The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Paralegal in the  Program   on   Freedom Religion and Belief of the ACLU’s National office in Washington, DC . This is a  hybrid role  that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight  (8) days per month.   From   its   earliest   days   supporting conscientious   objectors   to   war   and   defending   John   Scopes   in the infamous “Monkey Trial” of 1925, the ACLU has worked tirelessly to defend the right to religious liberty nationwide. Today, the national ACLU’s Program on Freedom Religion and Belief   protects   this   fundamental   right   by   helping   to ensure   that   governmental   laws   and   practices neither promote religion nor interfere with its free exercise. The Program fights to preserve religious freedom and the right of individual conscience through an integrated strategy of litigation, education, and public advocacy. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU). WHAT YOU'LL DO   Reporting to the  Project Director , the  Paralegal  will be a core member of a collaborative, dedicated   team   working   to advance   the   ACLU’s   mission   to   advance   and   protect   the   freedom   of religion and belief. YOUR DAY TO DAY Cite-check, format, and proofread documents, including legal briefs, memoranda, demand letters, and other correspondence   Conduct legal research and monitor cases on Westlaw   Assist in carrying out other litigation-related tasks, including editing discovery requests and responses, reviewing evidence, and preparing for depositions   Conduct Internet and other factual research in connection with prospective or ongoing litigation, policy matters, or public education efforts   Work with the Program attorneys to track state legislation and conduct related research   Maintain and ensure the accuracy of the Program’s litigation docket and calendar, and organize and maintain litigation and policy files   Assist in the development and maintenance of the Program’s website and other public information outlets.   Perform job-related special projects, support other legal department projects, and other duties as assigned by the Director and other Program staff   Receive requests for legal assistance and ensure timely responses to inquiries   Work with other national ACLU projects, ACLU state affiliates nationwide, and allies   Assist Program staff regarding strategic planning and related matters   Work   on   special   projects and   other   duties as   assigned   by   the   Project   Director   FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL  Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts WHAT YOU'LL BRING Excellent research skills, including Internet research   Excellent oral and written communication skills   Must take initiative, be highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess strong interpersonal and time-management skills   Strong computer skills with advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)   Basic knowledge of Westlaw is preferred   Experience creating tables of contents, tables of authorities, and mail merges   Ability to work independently as well as within a team   COMPENSATION The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. Consistent with our compensation philosophy, there is a set salary for each role based on geographic work location. The annual salary for this position is  $81,166 ( Level K ), reflecting the salary of a position based in New York, NY.  Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.     For details on our pay structure, please visit: https://www.aclu.org/careers/ACLU_Geographic_Pay_Structure-July_2024.pdf   WHY THE ACLU For over 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it’s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people. We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just their work, but to their overall well-being.  At the ACLU, we offer a broad range of benefits, which include: Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment) Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION Accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. For us diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are not just check-the-box activities, but a chance for us to make long-term meaningful change.  We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization – one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. We are as committed to anti-oppression, anti-ableism, and anti-racism internally as we are externally. Because whether we’re in the courts or in the office, we believe ‘We the People’ means all of us. With this commitment in mind, we strongly encourage 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, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.       The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please complete the  Accommodation Request Form If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.  

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