Under the supervision of the Senior Prisoners’ Rights Attorney, the Prisons and Policing Staff Attorney will (1) identify and develop new litigation and other advocacy projects to address civil rights abuses, with a particular emphasis on the rights of individuals involved in the criminal legal system; (2) support policy advocacy efforts that aim to reduce abusive policing practices and to improve the lives of individuals in New Mexico’s prisons and jails; and (3) participate in efforts to increase transparency, awareness, and understanding about the lives and experiences of system-involved New Mexicans, including prison and jail conditions.

This is an exempt full-time position based in New Mexico and reporting to the Senior Prisoners’ Rights Attorney.

• Identify and develop new litigation and other advocacy projects by conducting factual, legal and strategic analysis, and devising relevant theories and materials.
• Litigate policing, prison, and jail cases, including legal research; fact development; working with clients; drafting pleadings, briefs and legal memoranda; engaging in discovery and motion practice; and conducting evidentiary hearings and oral arguments in the trial and appellate courts.
• Follow up with individuals who submit complaints to the ACLU or otherwise have experienced civil rights violations, including conducting interviews, gathering affidavits and conducting research to determine whether further action by the ACLU is warranted.
• File public records requests and administrative complaints in support of litigation and legal advocacy.
• Draft and submit amicus briefs in appellate cases that touch on important issues related to criminal system reform
• Prepare, coordinate, and facilitate “Know Your Rights” trainings relating to the criminal legal system, including training others in the community to conduct these trainings.
• Articulate ACLU views to a variety of audiences, through public speaking, traditional and social media, and other means.
• Work with ACLU policy advocates to advance the ACLU’s goals on policing and mass incarceration.
• Support legislative advocacy with legal and policy analysis, public comment and expert testimony.
• Recruit and work with ACLU-NM volunteer attorneys who are interested in serving as co-counsel in civil rights litigation.
• Recruit and oversee the work of law clerks and volunteers.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other ACLU-NM departments in carrying out the ACLU’s “integrated advocacy” approach.
• Assist with litigation and advocacy in other priority issue areas as needed.

• J.D. degree and minimum of three years of civil litigation experience preferred. Relevant expertise on policing, prisons/jails, or other related issues is also preferred, but not required.
• Member of the State Bar of New Mexico or willingness to become admitted to the New Mexico Bar within one year of hire.
• Committed to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission, goals and programs. Preference will be given to applicants with an understanding of issues facing communities directly impacted by the criminal justice system, police violence, economic injustice and immigration policies, either through personal lived experience or prior work experience.
• Commitment to client-driven advocacy and humanizing individuals involved in the criminal legal system. Commitment to and familiarity with prisoners’ rights, racial and social justice, and civil liberties issues.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance.
• Awareness of, and willingness to engage in, the difficult and transformative work of challenging systems of oppression, institutional and structural racism, and implicit bias.
• Ability to file and litigate cases independently and collaboratively; excellent problem-solving skills; can juggle multiple on-going projects and exercise good judgment under stressful situations.
• Strong research, writing, and presentation skills; ability to explain complex legal concepts to lawyers and non-lawyers; leadership and organizational skills in working with volunteer lawyers and cooperating attorneys; able to take initiative, think strategically, and share responsibility and credit.
• Cultural and social humility in the office with colleagues, in interactions with clients, and with community partners.

No one person will have all the qualities enumerated above. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested and feel you could be successful in this role.

This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary range of $80,578-$109,018 depending on experience. We offer excellent benefits, including employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance for employees; long-term disability and life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution and match of up to 5.5%; and vacation accrual that starts at 18 days per year in addition to sick leave and family and medical leave.

All applications are confidential. Email your cover letter (two page max) and resume to [email protected] with " Prisons and Policing Staff Attorney " in the subject line. Attachments must be in Word or PDF format. Your cover letter should address how you meet the qualifications above and, optionally, how your background could contribute to the diversity of our staff and work. Resumes without a cover letter will not be accepted.

Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging are core values of the ACLU and central to our work. 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.

Applications accepted until the position is filled; review begins June 1, 2026.

This description is not comprehensive or contractual. The ACLU of New Mexico may modify it at any time without notice.