Position Overview
The ACLU of Alaska invites rising third-year law students and recent law graduates to apply for an opportunity to seek an externally funded fellowship to work with us as a Legal Fellow for up to two years in Anchorage, Alaska. We will support the selected candidate(s) in applying for external sponsored fellowships including school-specific fellowships and other public interest fellowships to begin in the fall of 2026.
Since its founding in 1961, the ACLU of Alaska has been the premier civil rights organization in the 49th state. Through our litigation, legislative expertise, grassroots advocacy, and public education efforts, we work to protect the civil rights and individual liberties enshrined in the United States and Alaska Constitution. We strive to ensure that those who have historically been denied their rights are afforded equal protection, dignity, and respect, including people of color, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, incarcerated individuals, and Alaska Native peoples.
The ACLU of Alaska is especially interested in applicants seeking to pursue fellowships to address some, or all, of the following areas:
- Criminal Legal Reform/Conditions of Confinement. Fellows are welcome to apply who are passionate about advocating for constitutionally adequate conditions of confinement in Alaska state prisons and other issues related to criminal legal reform, including access to counsel and issues facing the large pre-trial population in Alaska. More information about the priority areas of the ACLU-AK's prison work can be found here.
- Housing Justice. Fellows are welcome to apply who are passionate about advocating for housing justice for all Alaskans, including the constitutional rights of people experiencing homelessness, tenants’ rights, and the right of all Alaskans—including rural Alaskans—to an adequate, accessible, and safe place to live. Examples of the ACLU-AK's housing justice work can be found here and here.
- Immigration & Citizenship. Fellows are welcome to apply who are passionate about ensuring the constitutional rights of newcomers to our state. The ACLU-AK is part of a coalition of local organizations that advocate on behalf of immigrants, refugees, and other noncitizens living in Alaska. Examples of recent litigation on behalf of immigrants and U.S. nationals can be found here and here.
- Queer & Trans Justice. Fellows are welcome to apply who are passionate about advancing and protecting the rights of LGBTQIA2S+ Alaskans. The ACLU-AK has a long history of supporting and defending the rights of LGBTQIA2S+ Alaskans. Most recently, this has included litigation advocating for the rights of transgender students in Alaskan schools and Know-Your-Rights series for our state-wide community. More information about the Queer and Trans Justice Program can found here.
Qualifications
Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to public interest law and civil rights, exceptional research and writing skills, and a J.D. degree (or expect one within the next year).
Salary and Benefits
The Legal Fellow’s salary will be $70,000 but is dependent upon securing external funding. The Legal Fellow will receive a full benefits package including health insurance; paid holidays; paid personal and sick leave; and access to the ACLU's Employee Assistance Program.
Commitment To Equity, Diversity, Belonging, and Inclusion
The ACLU of Alaska is an equitable opportunity employer. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission by creating an environment where all community members can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified persons, including people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated, and other members of underrepresented groups. The ACLU of Alaska does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction. We are committed to providing a work environment that practices equitable and inclusive treatment. We work diligently to prevent and address harassment or discrimination of any kind.
Applications
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will be accepted until July 10, 2025. Please email one PDF with your cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and the names and contact information of three references to [email protected] with the subject line “2026 Legal Fellow.” In the cover letter, please be sure to discuss:
- A specific fellowship project related to one or more of our priority issue areas identified above that you are interested in pursuing (please note that the ultimate fellowship project will be created in dialogue with the ACLU of Alaska);
- The funding sources available to you, including any school-specific fellowships for which you are eligible; and
- Whether you are interested in pursuing one- or two-year fellowships (or both).