Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Reform Project (Term-Limited)

ACLU - National Office•Washington, DC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel in the Criminal Law Reform Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. This is a 2-year, limited term position. The Criminal Law Reform Project’s mission is to advocate for the constitutional and civil rights of those impacted by criminal legal systems. We use litigation and advocacy to confront systemic government conduct that fuels the carceral state and police abuse, and oppresses people based on race, class, and other characteristics. CLRP does this work because everyone suspected, accused, or convicted of a crime deserves dignity, fairness, and an opportunity to thrive. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU). Reporting to the Director or the Deputy Director for Policing, this role offers a unique opportunity to pursue impact litigation and integrated advocacy aimed at challenging systemic misconduct by federal and state law enforcement agents in carrying out the Trump Administration’s mass incarceration and deportation agendas. The role may also contribute to other areas of CLRP’s docket as necessary. This is an ideal opportunity for an attorney committed to racial justice, transformative change, and the power of legal advocacy to shift narratives and systems.

Requirements

J.D. degree and bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Those with 8-15 years of experience will have the title of Senior Staff Attorney and those with 16+ years of experience will have the title of Senior Counsel.
Demonstrated civil litigation skills and experience, including drafting complaints and briefs and conducting discovery
Strong ability to conduct thorough and goal-oriented fact-finding and investigation
Skilled in working with litigation and/or project teams, including development of clear goals, strategy, team processes and communication, and accountability
You value and excel at working with a wide range of people while fostering a collaborative, respectful team environment
You thrive in a complex, cross-departmental structure, particularly with respect to identifying and leveraging organizational resources
You have a familiarity with and commitment to criminal and racial justice (e.g., as a criminal defense lawyer, formerly incarcerated person, civil rights litigator, etc.)
You have excellent legal analytical, research, and writing skills
You are willing to travel as needed

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated leadership skills, for instance serving as lead counsel on a litigation or project team
Familiarity with law and policy relating to Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures
Ability to develop novel litigation theories to challenge criminal legal abuses.
Experience with data analysis as an advocacy or litigation tool
Experience with complex litigation, such as civil rights class actions or other forms of impact litigation.
Skill working with or representing vulnerable clients, particularly those involved in the criminal legal system
You have deposition, trial, or hearing experience, or experience at oral argument or appellate litigation
Experience with press strategies for advocacy, such as drafting press releases, and op-eds, or conducting television appearances

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to impact litigation in state and federal courts across the U.S., including investigating potential lawsuits, researching and drafting pleadings and briefs, engaging in discovery and motion practice, and conducting evidentiary hearings, oral arguments, trials and appeals
Maintain a docket of active and developing lawsuits challenging illegal and unconstitutional practices by federal and state law enforcement agents
Provide legal and strategic advice to local ACLU affiliates, cooperating attorneys, and other partners on litigation
Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative and policy work, as well as advance ACLU policy goals through public education, advocacy and participating in coalitions
Collaborate across departments—Communications, Political Advocacy, Data & Analytics, and Affiliate Support to develop integrated strategies
Represent CLRP in public forums and media, articulating legal and policy visions to a variety of audiences
Support hiring, onboarding, and development of new team members
Mentor junior attorneys, interns, and fellows, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture

Benefits

Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy
Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment)
Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match
We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops

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