Position opening: Staff Attorney, The Center for Constitutional Rights, March 18, 2022

Staff Attorney
Apply by:  March 18, 2022

Description

The Center for Constitutional Rights seeks two dynamic, visionary attorneys, preferably with 7+ years of litigation experience, who are politically aligned with our vision and approach to movement lawyering.  While these attorneys may ultimately work on a broad range of the organization’s litigation and advocacy campaigns, the Center for Constitutional Rights seeks attorneys with demonstrated experience in racial justice, policing, immigration, economic and gender justice (including LGBTQIA+ justice), and  FOIA/open records, or capacity to grow and master these areas in creative and accountable ways. These attorneys should have strong litigation skills, preferably experience in federal court and with the substantive and procedural aspects of civil rights law, as well as experience in non-legal advocacy/communications methodologies, including a demonstrated commitment and ability to work alongside social/political movements and impacted communities.  Familiarity with international human rights mechanisms and non-English language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

*   Conceive, develop, and manage visionary, politically-aligned complex litigation that advances our organizational mission, including developing case theory, conducting factual and legal research, identifying appropriate clients, pursuing appropriate and strategic litigation opportunities, and filing claims in domestic and/or international fora
*   Initiate and engage in all aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings, briefs, affidavits, and correspondence; taking and defending depositions; managing complex discovery; conducting negotiations with opposing counsel; appearing in court and examining witnesses; negotiating, implementing, and monitoring settlement agreements
*   In collaboration with Advocacy staff, develop and implement advocacy strategies in support of our clients, cases, and/or projects in support of movement partners
*   Engage in public outreach and education efforts including drafting or reviewing of advocacy materials (such as reports, FAQs, Action Alerts), participation in legislative efforts, and public speaking
*   Engage with community groups, cooperating attorneys, co-counsel, progressive lawyers, law students, legal groups, and other allies
*   Support all aspects of the organization’s Communications department activity, including reviewing press materials, responding to press inquiries, appearing in various media interviews, and timely opinion drafting, review and editing
*   Work with and supervise legal workers, Bertha Justice Fellows, student interns, and volunteers; where appropriate collaborate with pro bono or cooperating counsel assisting on our cases and projects
*   Assist Development department in managing individual and foundation relationships, including development and review of grant proposals, participation in donor meetings, fundraising and donor appreciation activities, and periodic out-of-state travel for development trips and activities
*   Maintain good standing in New York and other state bars as appropriate, including fulfilling requirements for continuing legal education (CLE)
*   Participate in departmental and organizational planning and projects and organization-wide committees, as designated
*   Other related work as, assigned by the Legal Director

Qualifications

*   7+ years of legal experience preferred, with at least some of that experience in complex federal litigation (including substantive and procedural aspects of civil rights law) and with commitment to using multi-dimensional non-litigation approaches to social change
*   J.D. required; admission to the New York Bar preferred; if hired, should become admitted to New York Bar
*   Political alignment and belief in the mission of the Center for Constitutional Rights and approach in working with progressive social movements
*   Experience in range of substantive social justice subject areas, with preference for experience with racial justice, policing, immigration, economic and gender justice (including LGBTQIA+ justice), and FOIA/open records, or capacity to grow and master these areas in creative and accountable ways; familiarity with international human rights norms and mechanisms a plus
*   Practical experience working with impacted communities and working with policy, advocacy, and grassroots campaigns and grassroots organizations is preferred
*   Strengths in complex legal analytical work and excellent legal research and writing skills as well as oral advocacy skills, including communication with non-legal audiences
*   Experience representing clients at hearings and on appeal; trial experience a plus
*   Outstanding organizational and time management skills, including proven ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight deadlines and in a fast- paced environment
*   Interest and commitment to supervising and mentoring junior attorneys, fellows, legal workers, and interns
*   Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
*   Proficiency in non-English language a plus
*   Ability and willingness to travel as necessary

Compensation

Salary is commensurate with experience and subject to union collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for the proposed years of experience desired for this position (7 to 10 years) is $107,955 to $117,501.

Benefits include employer contribution to 401K plan and flexible spending account, vacation, sick leave, and holidays, and 100-percent organization-paid health benefits including medical, dental, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.