The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs works to create legal, economic, and social equity through litigation, client and public education, and public policy advocacy with a primary focus on racial justice. For the last 50 years, the Committee has been on the cutting edge of civil rights advocacy in the region bringing precedent setting litigation to address discrimination. For more information on the Committee go to washlaw.org.
Position Description
The Committee seeks an experienced attorney to develop and conduct impact litigation and related advocacy regarding police misconduct and discrimination in the criminal legal system. The Committee has a record of litigating cases involving excessive force, illegal stops and searches, suppression of First Amendment rights, and abusive interactions between persons with disabilities and law enforcement. We work closely with organizers in impacted communities.
The police misconduct docket is part of a larger initiative to re-imagine the criminal legal system and address the criminalization of communities of color and persons living in poverty. In addition to our policing work, the Committee brings litigation to address prisoners’ rights, re-entry, and collateral consequences of arrest and conviction. Cases are co-counseled with members of the private bar.
The attorney will be responsible to:
• Identify and develop with other WLC staff, matters appropriate for advocacy or litigation;
• Conduct complex class and individual impact litigation;
• Engage in policy advocacy with District, state, and federal agencies, as well as legislatures including the District of Columbia Council;
• Work effectively with organizational clients, and in partnership with policy and advocacy organizations; and
• Work in partnership with co-counsel law firms and attorneys.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
• Passion for civil rights and racial equity advocacy.
• Civil rights litigation and/or criminal defense experience.
• Demonstrated ability to perform complex legal analytical work.
• Substantial writing experience, including drafting persuasive pleadings, motions and memoranda. Appellate writing experience a plus.
• Experience with complex discovery, including the drafting and responding to written discovery, conducting and defending depositions, a plus.
• Experience working with community-based organizations and organizers.
• DC bar membership (in good standing), or the ability to waive in to the DC Bar (membership in Maryland, Virginia, and federal district courts in the DC area a plus).
Please email a letter detailing your interest, a resume, and brief writing sample to: [email protected]. Please place “[your name] – Police Litigation Attorney” in the subject line.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the position with remain open until filled.
Salary is DOE, based on the Committee’s salary scale (available at: https://www.washlaw.org/about-us/employment-at-wlc/policing-criminal-leg... )