Associate General Counsel

NAACP • Washington, DC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The NAACP Empowerment Programs, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, seeks an Associate General Counsel to join its growing Legal Department. The role helps identify, develop, and supervise high-stakes civil-rights matters, with a focus on litigation and legal advocacy across areas including voting rights, criminal justice, economic justice, employment, fair housing, corporate accountability, and equal educational opportunity. The position is based in Baltimore, Maryland, or Washington, D.C., and involves moderate travel.

Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel develops and handles affirmative civil-rights litigation, provides legal assistance and advice to NAACP branches and partners, and contributes to advocacy initiatives and organizational governance. The successful candidate will bring substantial litigation experience, excellent legal writing and oral presentation skills, and the ability to manage cases and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing in a state bar, with the ability to become admitted in Maryland or D.C., depending on office location.
• Between 8 and 20 years of relevant experience litigating civil-rights cases in federal or state courts.
• Track record of excellence in timely, professional, and self-directed legal research and drafting, including complaints, dispositive motions, and appeals.
• Ability to become proficient in new civil-rights issue areas and develop impactful legal strategies.
• Ability to partner with professionals across the NAACP network.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues, and partner organizations.
• Commitment to working collaboratively and respectfully to resolve obstacles and conflicts.
• Ability to handle a diverse docket of matters and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice and civil rights.
• Excellent legal writing and oral presentation skills.
• Ability to take significant responsibility for cases and move them forward effectively.
• Ability to work quickly, thoughtfully, and collaboratively in a challenging, fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading affirmative litigation, including crafting innovative theories, investigating allegations, and building factual records.
• Demonstrated interest in voting rights or election law.
• Ability to undertake public speaking and other communications responsibilities to educate the public about the NAACP’s civil-rights work.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced work environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop affirmative civil-rights litigation in federal and state courts.
• Provide technical assistance and expert legal advice to NAACP branches and state conferences, cooperating attorneys, and others seeking assistance.
• Handle all aspects of litigation, from investigation through appeal.
• Manage co-counsel relationships with civil-rights organizations, law firms, unions, and other entities, ensuring aligned litigation strategies.
• Research and draft complaints, motions, briefs, memoranda, letters, and other materials, ensuring legal work meets high standards of excellence.
• Draft petitions for certiorari, merits briefs, and amicus briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court, other federal appellate courts, and state courts.
• Lead the development and implementation of special initiatives and civil-rights advocacy campaigns, using the organization’s public education, communications, and grassroots mobilization infrastructure.
• Assist NAACP colleagues in developing impact-litigation skills.
• Develop and lead collaborations with partners across a wide range of sectors.
• Identify policy issues relevant to the NAACP’s mission.
• Assist with training and legal advocacy efforts.
• Prepare policy reports, white papers, public-education materials, and other legal-advocacy materials.
• Serve as a public thought leader on civil-rights issues.
• Support governance for the NAACP and its affiliated entities.
• Perform other duties assigned by the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree