The Policing Project at New York University School of Law seeks a talented and motivated staff
attorney to join our technology law and policy team.
Join us at the epicenter of the national debate around AI, civil rights, and public safety. New law
enforcement technologies constantly are emerging, and while some hold promise to improve
public safety, they also can pose profound risks to privacy, equity, and other democratic values.
Our technology team is dedicated to promoting the responsible governance of new technologies
— from face recognition and vehicle surveillance systems to AI-driven report writing software
and cutting-edge forensic tools. We take a unique approach among organizations working in the
policing and technology space, partnering closely with policymakers, agencies, vendors,
advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure that new technologies in the public safety sphere are
used transparently, effectively, and in ways that respect civil rights and civil liberties.
The position is based out of the Policing Project’s New York City offices (located at New York
University School of Law).
Background on the Policing Project
The Policing Project is at the forefront of a new approach to addressing the harms of policing.
We believe in “front-end accountability” — that there must be public voice and democratic sign
off before police act, rather than simply when something goes wrong. The goal is achieving
public safety that is equitable, non-discriminatory, and respectful of public values. We pursue
this mission by drafting and promoting legislation to regulate policing, and by litigating where
these principles are not respected. Our work addresses both street policing and the growing use
by police of surveillance technologies and artificial intelligence. Because sending armed officers
to deal with a raft of social problems satisfies no one, we also are working hard to reimagine
public safety from the ground up, relying on non-police alternative first responders. You can
learn more about our work —past and present — at www.PolicingProject.org.
Job Description & Responsibilities
Our technology law and policy team’s work is founded on the conviction that policing
technology must be adopted democratically — with robust oversight and an unwavering
commitment to minimizing harm. Your role will be to help us translate that conviction into
tangible, real-world policy and practice.
This position would entail the following core responsibilities:
Conducting legal and policy research related to the use of emerging public safety
technologies for our AI Policy Hub
Drafting and contributing to reports, issue briefs, policy guides, and memoranda
addressing a range of public safety technologies, including:
o Face recognition and other biometric technologies
o Vehicle surveillance systems
o Predictive policing tools
o Drones and robotics
o Emerging DNA and forensic techniques
o Generative AI tools (such as police report-writing software)
Assisting in the development of AI use policies for policing agencies, working alongside
senior staff and in consultation with advocates, law enforcement, and community
stakeholders
Supporting a first-of-its-kind effort to develop a repository of body-worn camera footage
for research into policing practices
Helping to organize and participate in roundtables, workshops, and salons with
policymakers, advocates, researchers, and practitioners
Collaborating closely with colleagues across the Policing Project, including the
legislative and litigation teams, as well as with external partners
This role offers substantial opportunities for mentorship, skill-building, and increasing
responsibility over time.
Desired Experience & Qualifications
We are seeking a junior attorney who is eager to learn, intellectually curious, and committed to
advancing democratic accountability in policing. Given the innovative and often sensitive nature
of this work, we value strong judgment, thoughtfulness, and a collaborative mindset.
Applicants should have a J.D. and ideally will bring some combination of the following:
One to three years of legal experience, including internships, clerkships, fellowships, or
entry-level roles in policy, litigation, government, or advocacy
Familiarity and/or interest in constitutional law, criminal procedure, policing, racial
justice, and civil rights/civil liberties
Familiarity and/or interest in technology law, AI governance, and the use of emerging
technologies in public safety (prior technical expertise is not required)
Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills
Good judgment and the ability to manage multiple tasks
A collaborative, collegial, and curious approach to work
Strong organizational skills and a willingness to take initiative
Thoroughness and attention to detail
The Policing Project strongly encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds
and perspectives, and is an equal opportunity employer.
