Senior Litigation Counsel or Litigation Counsel

Americans United for Separation of Church & State- • Washington, DC

3d • Remote

About The Position

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is seeking a forward-thinking, passionate advocate for change to join their dynamic team. The Legal Department litigates church-state issues in federal and state courts nationwide, focusing on novel First Amendment and constitutional issues. Recent cases have challenged coercive religious practices in public schools, proselytizing by officials, public funding of religious education, religion-based discrimination by businesses and government entities, and religion-based efforts to restrict access to reproductive healthcare and employment discrimination by religious employers. The role involves serving as lead counsel in trial and appellate litigation, defending the rights of marginalized groups, and advocating for the separation of church and state.

Requirements

• At least three years of litigation experience (Judicial-clerkship experience counts toward those years).
• Substantial experience serving as lead counsel in litigation (for Senior Litigation Counsel) or demonstrated ability to assume that role (for Litigation Counsel).
• Exceptional analytical and writing skills.
• Persuasive oral advocate.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and gets excited about identifying and developing new cases and opportunities to assume representation on appeal.
• Able to travel as their cases require.
• Interpersonal skills to work well with staff and co-counsel and to serve as a trusted adviser to clients and partner organizations.
• Committed to advancing the public interest and the separation of religion and government.
• Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment.

Nice To Haves

• At least ten years of experience would be required to be hired as a Senior Litigation Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead counsel in church-state cases throughout the country.
• Serve as principal counsel for Americans United in church-state cases co-counseled with pro bono teams from law firms or with other public-interest organizations.
• Draft and edit pleadings and briefs, take depositions, deliver oral arguments, conduct trials and evidentiary hearings, and prosecute appeals.
• Develop new cases by investigating the applicable facts and law, formulating case strategies, and identifying plaintiffs with standing.
• Draft and edit amicus curiae briefs; evaluate amicus opportunities to determine whether to file briefs.
• Guide, mentor, and train junior lawyers and legal interns.
• Make public-speaking and media appearances.
• Help determine strategic vision and direction for Americans United’s litigation program.
• Collaborate across departments and partner organizations to initiate, lead, and/or support integrated advocacy campaigns that support AU’s legal cases, public policy work, campaigns, and other initiatives.

Benefits

• Employer-paid premiums for health care, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) with match, and commuter subsidy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed