How to Become an ACLU Lawyer

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was founded in 1920. The ACLU is dedicated to the protection of civil liberties, even in the case of a national emergency. Being a lawyer for the ACLU is to contribute to the protection of your rights as well as others. Here are some steps you can take to becoming an ACLU lawyer.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Go to college. Attend an accredited university or college. You may want to major in pre-law, criminal justice, political science or a related field.

2. Apply to law school. Be sure to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) before applying to law school. Your scores from the LSAT will determine your acceptance into law school. Apply to a school that is recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA).

3. Take the bar exam, a series of tests that will determine if you are qualified to practice law in a specific jurisdiction. Take the exam from the state where you intend to practice.

4. Create a private practice or join a law firm. It is not necessary to have a private practice or be an associate of a law firm to work with the ACLU. The ACLU mostly operates on volunteers; therefore you will likely need a supplemental income.

5. Visit your local ACLU chapter and apply. Fill out an application to be a lawyer for the legal division of the ACLU.