The criminal legal system in the region and across the nation is in crisis. Racial inequity, mass incarceration, and a broken legal system is creating and sustaining injustice. The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is seeking a dynamic leader for our work to address these issues.
The Committee has an active litigation docket and public policy agenda to address discrimination and racial inequity in the region’s criminal legal system. We handle individual and class action litigation on behalf of people who have experienced police misconduct and prisoners; work to decarcerate through compassionate release, parole and changes to the criminal law; and support community activists in seeking fundamental policy changes. We are looking for an experienced attorney to lead this effort, help form and execute our agenda, and supervise an attorney and paralegal team.
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
The deputy legal director will:
• Lead and supervise significant impact litigation.
• Serve as part of a legal leadership team.
• Work closely with co-counsel law firms and manage co-counsel relationships.
• Serve as a thought leader within the Committee, and the legal community.
• Mentor, supervise and support the professional development of attorneys, paralegals, advocates, and volunteers.
• Support all reporting and compliance efforts of the Committee, with respect to program initiatives, including grant reports.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
• Passion for civil rights and racial equity advocacy.
• Significant experience on criminal legal system reform.
• J.D. degree and DC Bar membership or ability to waive in to the DC Bar. Membership in Maryland and/or Virginia Bars a plus.
• Minimum of ten years of significant litigation experience, including work on complex federal cases, preferably including trial and appellate work, and class actions.
• Strong leadership and management abilities.
• Minimum of two years’ progressive responsibility supervising/mentoring junior attorneys.
• Bilingual ability (professional fluency - Spanish/English) a plus.
Please send an email detailing your interest and a resume to: [email protected]. Please place “[your name] – Deputy Legal Director” in the subject line.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is an essential component of the Committee, and we encourage all qualified persons to apply. Applicants are accorded an equal opportunity for selection without regard to 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, matriculation, or political affiliation.