Deputy Legal Director

CASA•Hyattsville, MD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

We Are CASA’s Deputy Legal Director will become part of the national powerhouse organization that is protecting and defending our immigrant community against xenophobic, white supremacist policies and practices. In partnership with the Legal Director, the Deputy Legal Director will play a leading role in We Are CASA’s local, regional and national efforts to support and defend We Are CASA’s community base through litigation, advocacy, and direct legal services. The Deputy Legal Director will be a talented, dynamic, and creative leader on We Are CASA’s management team, supervising members of the legal team, including managing and supervising attorneys, senior attorneys, staff attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants; and representing the legal team in interdepartmental spaces, such as supporting advocacy efforts led by We Are CASA’s Organizing and Advocacy Departments. The ideal candidate will have significant litigation, direct legal services, and management experience, preferably in a non-profit setting working with immigrant, Black, Brown, Afro-Descendant, and/or Indigenous communities. This position is eligible to work from CASA's Multicultural Center in Hyattsville MD, CASA's Baltimore Welcome Center in Baltimore, MD, or CASA's Rockville Welcome Center in Rockville, MD.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) with a minimum of 5 years legal experience (litigation experience preferred)
Admitted to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (Maryland strongly preferred; D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Georgia preferred)
Valid U.S. Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle
Bilingual/multilingual, with English being one of the languages; Spanish preferred; French is a plus.
5+ years of relevant legal experience. This can include work with a law school clinic, internships or other related activities.
Strong commitment to being informed and guided by Racial Justice, Equity & Inclusion (RJEI) principles in all aspects of work and leadership
Creative, movement lawyer, committed to social change and community organizing, including implementing member-led decisions and priorities, and delivering legal services in a way that builds power
Deep commitment to civil rights, particularly workers’, tenants’ and immigrants’ rights, including experience working with the immigrant community
Well-organized with ability to work independently under minimal supervision, managing multiple projects
Experiencing supervising staff
Experience maintaining legal case management systems and advanced proficiency in basic computer programs (Microsoft Office suite, etc.); knowledge of Salesforce is a plus
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including in legal advocacy and public communication
Strong interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills
Ability to travel, as required, for trainings, litigation, speaking engagements and other needs

Nice To Haves

Spanish preferred
French is a plus
Maryland strongly preferred; D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Georgia preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee and mentor the work of supervising attorneys, staff attorneys, pro bono attorneys, paralegals and legal assistants working in direct services, litigation, and movement-oriented campaigns in the areas of immigration, employment, housing and civil rights
Strategize on, develop, and implement goals, structures, and parameters for We Are CASA’s impact litigation efforts
Lead cases independently, or co-counsel with supervising attorneys, staff attorneys and external attorney partners as necessary
Cultivate and maintain relationships with external partners, including pro bono attorneys and litigation partners
In conjunction with We Are CASA’s Community Organizing and Advocacy departments, oversee the development and implementation of social justice campaigns including policy analysis
In coordination with the Legal Director, provide oversight and management of significant aspects of the legal department
Serve as a member of the Legal Managers Team, participating in decision-making for the department and on behalf of the Legal Director
Represent We Are CASA in local, regional, and national spaces, such as in coalitions, on the media, and at public events
Participate actively in departmental and organizational planning processes, including developing and executing individual workplans and professional development plans for all staff, evaluating and providing timely feedback on plans as the year progresses
Conduct program and personnel evaluations for the Legal Department as required
In collaboration with Legal Director, supervising attorneys, and the Development and Finance Departments, prepare reports to funders and other stakeholders
Assist with fundraising to grow and maintain the Legal Department and We Are CASA organizationally
Support the development and expansion of We Are CASA’s membership base
Facilitate the connection of new We Are CASA members with the Community Organizing Department and other We Are CASA services
Monitor the proper collection of data among team members and regularly analyze metrics and progress towards key result measures.
Utilize data to inform program enhancements to better meet evolving community needs and improve program performance.
Other duties as assigned by the Legal Director

Benefits

Generous paid time off , including: annual leave starting at three weeks per year (proportional accrual per pay period), two weeks of sick leave, three days of personal leave, and additional compensatory leave for exempt employees.
Sixteen (16) paid holidays per calendar year.
Health, dental, and vision insurance (We Are CASA pays 100% of the premium costs for the employee up to our HMO plan, 55% for couples, 65% for children and 60% for family)
Basic life and AD&D
Long and Short Term Disability insurance
Professional Development: Those pursuing a course of study related to work performed at We Are CASA may be eligible for a reimbursement up to $3,000.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
FSA Account including Dependent Care.
401(k) retirement plan with a 2% employer discretionary match.
Accident, Critical Indemnity, Hospital insurance.
Mileage reimbursements for those positions that are required to drive on We Are We Are CASA business.
Cell Phone stipend for those positions that are required to use their cellphone for We Are CASA business