Summary

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) seeks an attorney to join our legal team to advance our mission through litigation and integrated, nonlitigation advocacy to protect and expand civil liberties and civil rights in Tennessee. This position may be filled at either the Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney level, depending on the selected candidate’s experience, skills, and organizational needs.

We anticipate making one hire from this recruitment.

Reporting to the legal director, the staff attorney or senior staff attorney will contribute to a dynamic docket of cases and advocacy initiatives and will be expected to work collaboratively across the organization, as well as with external partners such as community organizations, advocates, and cooperating attorneys, to advance strategic priorities and achieve meaningful impact. The attorney will use litigation as part of broader organization-wide strategies to achieve systemic reform and policy change.

Responsibilities (All Candidates)

• Litigate a wide range of civil rights and/or civil liberties cases in state and federal courts, including:
• • Conducting factual investigation and legal research
  • Drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, and memoranda
  • Engaging in discovery, including taking and defending depositions
  • Examining witnesses and presenting evidence at hearings and trials
  • Participating in oral advocacy at trial and/or appellate levels
  • Negotiating settlements and drafting related agreements
• Identify, investigate, and develop new cases, including client outreach, intake, and relationship-building
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments and with external partners, including co-counsel, cooperating attorneys, advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders
• Provide technical assistance and legal advice to cooperating attorneys and others who seek assistance on litigation concerning civil rights and civil liberties, legislation, and advocacy
• Develop and maintain relationships with legal associations, pro bono counsel, partners, and coalitions to support litigation and advocacy goals
• Contribute to integrated advocacy strategies, including policy, legislative, community engagement, and communications efforts
• Provide legal analysis and support for organizational campaigns and strategic initiatives
• Engage in public education, coalition work, and community outreach in consultation and collaboration with other programmatic departments
• Deliver presentations, trainings, or continuing legal education (CLE) programs
• Serve as a representative or spokesperson for the organization on legal issues and cases, in collaboration with the communications department
• Travel as needed for litigation, conferences, speaking engagements, and client development

Position Levels

Staff Attorney

Candidates at this level typically:

• Have approximately 3–8 years of relevant legal experience
• Have experience supporting or handling components of litigation, such as legal research, drafting, and discovery
• May have some experience in depositions, hearings, or trials, and are continuing to build litigation expertise
• Work under the guidance of senior attorneys while developing increasing independence and case responsibility
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned

Senior Staff Attorney

Candidates at this level typically:

• Have significant litigation experience (generally 8+ years), including substantial experience in state and/or federal court
• Manage cases from investigation through resolution with a high degree of independence
• Serve as lead counsel in complex litigation, including trials, evidentiary hearings, and appeals
• Have meaningful experience taking and defending depositions, examining witnesses, and shaping litigation strategy
• Mentor junior attorneys, fellows, and interns, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Coordinate with and provide guidance to co-counsel, cooperating counsel and litigation partners
• Contribute to organizational strategy, including identifying opportunities for impact litigation and systemic reform
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned

Final level determination will be based on experience, qualifications, and organizational needs.

Required Qualifications (All Candidates)

• Commitment to advancing the mission of the ACLU of Tennessee
• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Admission to practice law in Tennessee or eligibility and willingness to promptly seek admission
• Demonstrated interest in or commitment to civil rights, civil liberties, or public interest law
• Exceptionally strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively are essential
• Ability to manage multiple projects and strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Sound judgment and ability to navigate complex or high-pressure situations
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within and across teams and with external partners
• Dedication to centering and embedding the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives in a team environment
• Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts
• Willingness to work occasional weekend and evening hours and to travel, as needed

Preferred / Advanced Qualifications

• Extensive years of litigation experience, including clerkships, is preferred, especially including both trial and appellate work
• Demonstrated leadership skills, for instance serving as lead counsel on a litigation or project team
• Experience in complex or impact litigation (e.g., constitutional claims, Section 1983 cases, class actions)
• Experience with oral argument, taking and defending depositions, participating in evidentiary hearings, and motions practice
• Subject-matter expertise in relevant issue areas (e.g., voting rights, criminal legal system reform, First Amendment, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, etc.)
• Experience with legislative, policy, or administrative advocacy and collaborating with community-based organizations or impacted populations
• Demonstrated experience with press strategies for advocacy, including interviews and appearances in print, audio, and video media
• Experience planning and facilitating workshops, trainings, meetings, and other community events
• Developed skills in working with or representing vulnerable clients
• Language proficiency relevant to the communities served

Hybrid Work Environment

ACLU-TN is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee — a rapidly growing city with a deep history of social justice and a vibrant music, arts, culture, and food scene.

ACLU-TN currently operates in a hybrid work environment. Staff are expected to work in the Nashville office eight (8) days per month, including all-staff in-office days on the Monday and Tuesday of the first and third full weeks of each month.

Candidates residing outside of Tennessee will be considered for this position, with the understanding that relocation to Tennessee is required.

This position also requires travel throughout the state of Tennessee.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range based on experience and position level:

• Staff Attorney: $85,000 – $90,000
• Senior Staff Attorney: $95,000 – $100,000

Staff members receive a generous benefits package, including a minimum of 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 2 personal days, along with at least 13 recognized holidays; 100% employer-covered health insurance (medical, dental, and vision); a flexible spending account; a 401(k)-matched retirement contribution; 12 weeks of parental leave; long- and short-term disability; life insurance; an annual professional development stipend; and snacks in the office.

Apply

If you’re excited about devoting your talents and skills to the ACLU of Tennessee, please submit your resume, letter of interest, professional writing sample, and three professional references, including at least one prior supervisor (none of whom will be called without your prior authorization).

Tentative Hiring Timeline

• July 10, 2026: Priority Application Deadline
• July 20, 2026: Assessments/Interviews Begin
• August 2026: Offer Extended

Phone calls will not be accepted. Priority will be given to completed applications received by the July 10 deadline. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, at which time the posting will be removed from the ACLU-TN/ACLU websites.

ACLU-TN is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. ACLU-TN encourages 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. Black people; Indigenous people; people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary, gender-nonconforming and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; protected veterans; and formerly incarcerated individuals are all strongly encouraged to apply. 

ACLU-TN makes every effort to ensure that its recruitment and employment practices provide all qualified persons, including persons with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions. The ACLU of Tennessee is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities. Please do not hesitate to inquire at operations@aclu-tn.org if you believe you may need accommodation during the application or interview process.

About Us

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) is dedicated to translating the guarantees of the Bill of Rights into reality for all Tennesseans. We are an enduring guardian of justice, freedom, fairness and equality, working to protect and advance civil liberties and civil rights for all Tennesseans. Our goal is to preserve the Bill of Rights for future generations.