Assistant General Counsel

NAACP•Washington, DC

About The Position

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for equal rights, seeks an Assistant General Counsel, to join the organization’s growing Legal Department. The NAACP Is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights organization. It was established to combat racial violence, injustice, and discrimination against Black Americans, playing a key role in major legal battles and advocacy for social equality. The Assistant General Counsel focuses on litigation and legal advocacy in a variety of areas including voting rights, criminal justice, economic justice, employment, fair housing and equal educational opportunity.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing in the bar with the ability to become admitted in Maryland or D.C. (pursuant to office location).
A minimum of 4 years of relevant legal experience, ideally some of which will have been in civil rights cases in federal or state courts, or on behalf of or against federal or state governments, or with a civil rights legal organization or entity.
Track record of excellence in performing legal research and drafting legal documents (including court filings such as complaints, dispositive motions, and appeals) in a timely, professional and self-directed manner.
Experience developing affirmative civil rights litigation, including researching potential theories, and building factual records.
Ability to work independently, and to work collaboratively and respectfully with others.
Ability to handle a diverse docket of matters and meet deadlines.
Ability to become proficient in new civil rights issue areas and develop creative, rigorous, analytical legal strategies.
Ability to approach the Legal Department’s work in an interdisciplinary manner and partner with other professionals across the NAACP network.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients and partner organizations.
Ability to take on public speaking and other communications responsibilities that help to educate the public about the NAACP’s civil rights work.
Demonstrated commitment to racial justice and civil rights.

Responsibilities

Support civil rights litigation in federal and state courts, including advising clients on litigation strategy, risks and objectives, and handling all aspects of litigation from investigation through appeal.
Represent NAACP branches and state conferences in affirmative civil rights litigation.
Co-counsel with other civil rights organizations, law firms or other entities and ensure that litigation strategies are aligned and consistent with the NAACP’s mission.
Assist with the development of and help carry out special initiatives and civil rights advocacy campaigns, leveraging the organization’s unique public education, communication and grassroots mobilization infrastructure.
Support and partner with NAACP Units to assist with training and legal advocacy efforts.
Prepare policy reports, white papers, public education materials, and other briefing materials.
Provide such other support as is needed to effectively carry out the mission of the Legal Department
Work with partners from a wide range of sectors including non-profits, unions, and individuals, to develop, litigate, and raise awareness NAACP’s civil rights mission.
Research and draft written work product, including complaints, filings, legal memorandum, letters, and other types of legal advocacy materials.
Monitor relevant policy issues to identify instances where the NAACP should consider developing litigation or other legal advocacy efforts.
Perform any other duties as assigned by the Deputy General Counsel or other designee.