JOB DESCRIPTION

PRISON LITIGATION FELLOW

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION OF LOUISIANA

American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Louisiana, a public interest organization devoted to the defense of the Bill of Rights, invites applications for the two year position of prison litigation fellow. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is the nation’s foremost organization engaging in advocacy, public education, legislative activities, and litigation on behalf of civil liberties and civil rights. A significant portion of the work of the ACLU of Louisiana is on behalf of the men and women incarcerated in the Louisiana’s jails and prisons, in ensuring that they are not subjected to cruel and unusual punishment, in violation of the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The fellow’s work will include the review of and response to incoming prisoner complaints from correctional facilities across the State of Louisiana, and researching the merits of those complaints. It also will include drafting of memoranda, pleadings and briefs, discovery and motions practice, and trial and appellate litigation. Excellent analytical and oral advocacy skills, an ability to write clearly and communicate effectively, and a commitment to civil liberties and public interest law required. Experience litigating constitutional issues in federal courts preferred.

Under the supervision of the Legal Director, the principal responsibilities of the prison litigation fellow will include:

• Coordinating prison intake with the Legal Director and Office Manager, and ensuring that prison complaints are properly evaluated and timely processed;
• Engaging in fact investigations by correspondence with complainants, review of medical records and other documents, or by interviewing prospective clients;
• Researching legal questions and preparing memoranda and demand letters;
• Presenting prison cases to the Legal Panel, which gain approval from the Board for litigation;
• Participating directly in prison litigation throughout the state of Louisiana, either as co-counsel with a cooperating attorney or as lead counsel; and
• Preparing necessary dockets and reports for the Legal Director.  

At the direction of the Legal Director or the Executive Director, the prison litigation fellow will occasionally be required to:

• Engage in public speaking and articulate ACLU views to the public and the media on selected issues;
• Write press releases/op-ed pieces and newsletter articles, and appear and speak at press conferences; and
• Travel to attend local, statewide or national meetings, and travel for litigation purposes.

The position requires a willingness to work beyond the eight hours of a normal work day, including evening and weekend events.

The prison litigation fellow reports to the Legal Director, who reports to the Executive Director.

Applicants must have a license to practice law in the State of Louisiana. If an applicant does not have a license to practice law in Louisiana, he or she must be willing to sit for the bar examination in July, 2008, and any job offer will be contingent upon successful passage of the bar examination.

Salary determined by qualifications and budgetary limitations. Excellent benefits package provided.

Provide a cover letter that illustrates your commitment to civil liberties and civil rights, a current resume, a legal writing sample up to ten pages, and three references.

Mail to:
ACLU of Louisiana
Prison Litigation Fellowship
PO Box 56157
New Orleans, LA 70156

OR

Email to:
admin@laaclu.org

Position to remain open until filled, which will be no earlier than May 1, 2008.

The ACLU of Louisiana is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex to apply.