Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Counsel - Criminal Justice Project

Washington, DC
Full Time
Criminal Justice Project
Mid Level
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
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Affiliation: Union
Accountable to: Director, Criminal Justice Project

About the Role:
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.

The Counsel will, in conjunction with the private bar, investigate and bring challenges aimed at promoting equality throughout the criminal justice system. This work may include, but is not limited to, challenging violations of the right to counsel and the denial of due process, the unconstitutional detention of indigent persons, and police misconduct. In connection with the Lawyers’ Committee’s James Byrd Center to Stop Hate, the Counsel also may investigate, pursue litigation, and engage in legal advocacy against white supremacist groups and actors who protect white supremacists. In addition to litigation, the Counsel will engage in substantial amicus curiae practice, public education, programming, and public policy advocacy.

What You’ll be Doing:

Responsibilities of Counsel include but are not limited to:
  • Coordinate with teams that can be comprised of Lawyers’ Committee staff, pro bono counsel, investigators, and interns in complex litigation, legal research projects, and investigations.
  • Litigate in federal and/or state courts, including appellate courts, throughout the country by:
    • Conducting legal research.
    • Drafting, reviewing, and cite checking legal memoranda and briefs.
    • Engaging in written discovery.
    • Taking and defending depositions.
    • Conducting evidentiary hearings, trials, and oral arguments; and
    • Managing and maintaining relationships with clients.
       
  • Develop new cases through fact investigation and legal research, including examining documentary evidence as well as interviewing potential clients and witnesses.
     
  • Review and analyze proposed legislation, regulations, policies, and other related documents in an effective, well-reasoned, and timely manner.
     
  • Work closely with colleagues across relevant Lawyers’ Committee internal Projects as needed to help identify and pursue shared advocacy objectives.
     
  • Articulate and represent the Lawyers’ Committee’s positions on various issues related to criminal justice, white supremacy, and hate crimes through public speaking, op-eds, amicus briefs, and by working in coalitions.
     
  • Demonstrate a commitment to diversity within and outside the office and an ability to implement an advocacy-driven approach to the work.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:
  • Deep commitment to the advancement of Civil Rights and criminal justice reform. For example, this commitment may be demonstrated by:
    • Experience as a Civil Rights attorney, public defender, public interest attorney, or prosecutor.
    • Academic research in the fields of Civil rights, criminal justice, and/or white supremacy.
    • Volunteer work in fields related to Civil rights, criminal justice, and/or ending white supremacist movements.
       
  • Complex civil or criminal litigation experience. This could include:
    • Composing legal memoranda and substantive trial or appellate court briefs.
    • Engaging in written discovery; taking and defending depositions; conducting evidentiary hearings, trials, and oral arguments; and managing and maintaining relationships with clients; and
    • Experience coordinating with litigation teams including co-counsel, investigators, and/or interns.
       
  • Experience working with or for communities of color.
  • Superior research, writing, and communication skills, including legal research and writing.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to approach issues creatively.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to produce high-quality work under pressure of multiple deadlines.
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust and credibility with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team; receptive to direction and guidance.
  • Ability to be flexible and responsive.
  • Willingness and desire to take the initiative to take on additional responsibilities as needed.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Westlaw, and internet research tools; knowledge of Bluebook forms for legal citations.
  • Admission to the DC Bar; pending admission to the DC bar; or the ability to waive into the DC Bar.
  • Willingness and ability to travel.

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.

Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend. 

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.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union. Employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

The expected range for this role will be: $76,000 - $113,000.


 
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