The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Job Title: Counsel/Senior Counsel - Economic Justice Project
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role:
The Economic Justice Project engages in impact litigation and legal advocacy to ensure that communities of color can access opportunities to meaningfully engage in the economy and lead dignified lives free from discrimination.  As part of our work, the Economic Justice Project has fought to vigorously defend racial equity programs designed to combat longstanding, systemic racism and discrimination affecting communities of color.

This work has become more urgent since the Supreme Court’s holding in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. University of North Carolina and Harvard College, which significantly pared back the circumstances in which race can be considered in higher education admissions. Recent legal challenges are now seeking to expand the SFFA decision to eliminate racial equity programs in other sectors of society, including private employment, government programs, and philanthropy. Our team is  looking for a passionate and skilled attorney to join our team as Counsel/Senior Counsel, who will employ legal and advocacy based strategies to protect and advance racially informed initiatives and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

In this role, you will play a pivotal part in defending and advancing DEI programs and developing strategies to combat discrimination.. Your work will encompass impact litigation, direct client services, policy advocacy, and the development of other strategies to advance racial justice and economic opportunity.
 

What You’ll be Doing:

• Conduct legal research, analysis, and create educational and advocacy resources addressing DEI issues across various sectors.
• Engage in litigation related to DEI matters, advocating for equity and inclusion in federal and state courts.
• Provide legal support to entities, including nonprofits and grassroots community organizations, on DEI matters related to contracting, grantmaking, and employment.
• Articulate and represent the Lawyers’ Committee’s positions on DEI issues through public speaking, op-eds, amicus briefs, and coalition work.
• Litigate in federal and state courts throughout the country, including appellate courts.
• Collaborate with regional partners, government agencies, and co-counsel to investigate and evaluate new cases.
• Draft amicus briefs in alignment with the Lawyers’ Committee’s mission.
• Engage in public education and public policy efforts supporting the EJP’s work.
• Research and compile data to support advocacy efforts; draft written materials, including policy reports, testimony, briefing papers, toolkits, and educational resources.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key partners and grassroots community organizations.
• Represent the Lawyers’ Committee in coalition efforts, media engagements, and meetings with government officials.
• Depending on experience level, provide guidance to less experienced attorneys and interns.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 5 years of legal experience (9 years for Senior Counsel).
• Deep dedication to advancing civil rights and racial justice.
• Experience working on civil rights issues, preferably related to employment discrimination, DEI, and/or contracting.
• Experience litigating complex civil cases, including writing legal memoranda and briefs, discovery, and deposition work.
• Ideal candidate will have experience conducting evidentiary hearings, trials, and oral arguments.
• Proficiency in managing and maintaining relationships with clients and leading teams of people in litigation, legal advocacy, and investigations.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including creative approaches to issues.
• Experience working with or for communities of color.
• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to produce high-quality work under pressure of multiple deadlines.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, receptive to direction and guidance.
• Ability to be flexible and responsive.
• Motivated and willing to take initiative to handle additional responsibilities as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Westlaw, and internet research tools.
• Admitted to the DC Bar; pending admission to the DC Bar; or ability to waive into the DC Bar.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.

Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.