The Nonhuman Rights Project is seeking a Director of Litigation to lead the organization’s litigation program and legal team in advancing fundamental legal rights for animals.
The Director of Litigation will oversee the NhRP’s litigation across the legal pathways identified in the organization’s strategic plan, including advocating for the right to liberty, access to justice, and freedom from cruelty. The Director will serve as lead counsel in selected cases, appear and argue in court, supervise and support legal team members, help guide case selection and litigation strategy, and ensure consistently high-quality legal work aligned with the NhRP’s mission and strategy as well as professional ethical obligations.
The role also includes responsibility for effectively managing the legal team, including staff supervision and performance management; close coordination with other departments on communications, development, and public engagement related to the NhRP’s legal work; annual work planning and budgeting; tracking litigation timelines and expenses; and conducting post-case retrospectives.
We are looking for an experienced litigator and thoughtful manager who combines excellent legal judgment with strong leadership and organizational skills, and who is excited to help shape and execute innovative litigation strategies in a developing area of law.
This position reports to the Managing Director of Programs. It is a full-time, remote, U.S.-based position with periodic travel for litigation and organizational events.
J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
Active admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Significant litigation experience, including responsibility for developing case strategy, drafting substantial briefs and other legal filings; managing cases through multiple stages of litigation; and appearing in court.
Experience serving as lead counsel or taking a substantial leadership role in litigation.
Excellent legal research, analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Excellent legal judgment and the ability to think strategically about novel, complex, and evolving areas of law.
Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and develop attorneys and other legal professionals.
Strong management and organizational skills, including the ability to oversee multiple matters, deadlines, priorities, and competing demands.
Ability to work collaboratively with organizational leadership and colleagues across Communications, Campaigns, Development, and other functions.
Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively to legal and non-legal audiences.
Experience in animal law strongly preferred.
Experience managing budgets and relationships with outside counsel and experts preferred.
Strong commitment to the NhRP’s mission and to advancing fundamental legal rights for nonhuman animals.
Interested applicants should submit:
A resume;
A cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position; and
Two writing samples, one of which must be a litigation document, such as a brief, that was filed or intended for filing in court.
Materials should be submitted to [email protected] with “Litigation Director” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is November 12, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled; early submission is encouraged. Select candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in next steps in the selection process.
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