Application Guide

How to Apply for 2027–29 Constitutional Litigation Fellowship

at Americans United for Separation of Church and State

🏢 About Americans United for Separation of Church and State

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a premier public interest law firm defending the constitutional principle of church-state separation. With a 75+ year history of impact litigation, the organization offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge First Amendment cases in a remote, collaborative environment.

About This Role

This two-year fellowship immerses you in all phases of constitutional litigation, from case screening to appellate arguments. You'll directly shape the legal landscape on religious liberty and church-state separation, working alongside experienced attorneys on high-impact cases in federal and state courts nationwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team video call to discuss case strategy, then you'll draft a motion or research a constitutional question. Afternoons could involve reviewing discovery documents, interviewing a client, or preparing for oral argument. You'll work independently but collaborate regularly via Slack and shared drives.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Americans United for Separation of Church and State Is Looking For

  • A recent law graduate or judicial clerk with a demonstrated commitment to civil rights and First Amendment law through coursework, clinics, or prior internships.
  • Exceptional legal research and writing skills, evidenced by a writing sample (e.g., law review note, brief, or motion) that shows analytical rigor and clarity.
  • Experience or strong interest in impact litigation, including drafting pleadings, discovery, and client interviews.
  • Comfort with remote work and self-motivation, as the role is fully remote but requires collaboration via video calls and shared documents.

📝 Tips for Applying to Americans United for Separation of Church and State

1

Tailor your cover letter to highlight specific church-state separation issues you care about (e.g., school prayer, faith-based funding, religious exemptions) and how they connect to AU's mission.

2

Submit a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to argue constitutional law, preferably a brief or motion you drafted (not a law review note) that shows practical litigation skills.

3

In your resume, emphasize any litigation experience—even moot court, clinic work, or judicial externships—and quantify contributions (e.g., 'drafted 3 motions in asylum case').

4

Research AU's recent cases (e.g., Espinoza v. Montana, Carson v. Makin) and reference them in your cover letter to show you understand their legal strategy.

5

Proofread meticulously—AU values precision in legal writing, so any typo or formatting error could signal carelessness.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Express passion for church-state separation and explain why you chose AU specifically over other public interest organizations.', 'Highlight any First Amendment or constitutional law experience, such as clinics, classes, or clerkships involving religious liberty issues.', 'Demonstrate your fit for a remote fellowship by discussing your self-discipline, time management, and experience with virtual collaboration.', 'Mention a specific AU case or initiative that inspires you and how you hope to contribute to it.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read AU's current docket and recent Supreme Court briefs on their website (au.org) to understand their litigation priorities.
  • → Review the organization's history, including landmark cases like Everson v. Board of Education and recent amicus filings.
  • → Follow AU's blog and social media to catch their latest commentary on religious liberty news.
  • → Research the fellowship's alumni to see where they've gone (e.g., DOJ, ACLU, academia) and how the fellowship advanced their careers.
Visit Americans United for Separation of Church and State's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Why do you want to work at Americans United specifically, and what church-state separation issues are most important to you?
2 Describe a time you had to write a persuasive legal argument under a tight deadline. How did you approach it?
3 How would you handle a case where the facts don't perfectly align with AU's legal position?
4 What experience do you have with remote work, and how do you stay productive and connected?
5 How do you see the future of church-state litigation evolving (e.g., after recent Supreme Court decisions)?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention church-state separation or AU by name—this signals lack of genuine interest.
  • Overemphasizing personal religious beliefs; AU focuses on constitutional law, not theology, so keep arguments legal and secular.
  • Ignoring the remote nature of the role—don't assume you'll work in D.C. or have in-person networking; show you can thrive remotely.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Americans United for Separation of Church and State!

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