Americans United for Separation of Church and State — the nation’s leading church-state advocacy organization — is accepting applications to join our seven-attorney legal team for a one-year term as a Volunteer Litigation Fellow starting in September 2012. We have a diverse litigation and amicus curiae practice addressing a wide variety of constitutional questions regarding religious activities in the public schools, government-sponsored religious displays, and public financing of parochial schools and religious social-service providers. Most of our cases are litigated in federal court and involve novel, cutting-edge First Amendment questions.

A Fellow’s primary responsibility is to participate in all aspects of litigation before federal and state courts across the country, at the trial and appellate levels. Tasks may include conducting research, drafting pleadings and discovery, taking depositions, and writing trial-level and appellate briefs; presenting oral arguments, questioning witnesses, and introducing evidence at the trial-court level; working closely with clients and interviewing witnesses; communicating with co-counsel and opposing counsel; participating in settlement negotiations; and screening incoming complaints and assisting with identifying new cases. Over the course of their term, a Fellow receives intensive training in trial and appellate litigation under the close supervision of our three experienced litigators.

Eligibility and Requirements

Deferred law-firm associates, as well as other third-year law students and recent law-school graduates who are willing to work without compensation, are eligible to apply. A one-year commitment is preferred. Applicants must have strong research, writing, and analytical skills and an interest in First Amendment litigation.

Compensation

We will not be able to provide compensation to the Volunteer Fellow.

How To Apply

Please mail a cover letter, resume, law-school transcript, writing sample, and the names of three references to:

Thelma Scott
Legal Department
Americans United
1301 K St. NW, Suite 850E
Washington, D.C. 20005

You may also e-mail an additional copy of your application tolegaljobs@au.org. No faxes or telephone calls please.

Deadline

Open until filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply no later than December 31, 2011.