Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney

ACLU of Tennessee•Nashville, TN

59d•$85,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) seeks an attorney to join our legal team to advance our mission through litigation and integrated, nonlitigation advocacy to protect and expand civil liberties and civil rights in Tennessee. This position may be filled at either the Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney level, depending on the selected candidate’s experience, skills, and organizational needs. We anticipate making one hire from this recruitment. Reporting to the legal director, the staff attorney or senior staff attorney will contribute to a dynamic docket of cases and advocacy initiatives and will be expected to work collaboratively across the organization, as well as with external partners such as community organizations, advocates, and cooperating attorneys, to advance strategic priorities and achieve meaningful impact. The attorney will use litigation as part of broader organization-wide strategies to achieve systemic reform and policy change.

Requirements

Commitment to advancing the mission of the ACLU of Tennessee
J.D. from an accredited law school
Admission to practice law in Tennessee or eligibility and willingness to promptly seek admission
Demonstrated interest in or commitment to civil rights, civil liberties, or public interest law
Exceptionally strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills
Demonstrated ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively are essential
Ability to manage multiple projects and strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Sound judgment and ability to navigate complex or high-pressure situations
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within and across teams and with external partners
Dedication to centering and embedding the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives in a team environment
Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts
Willingness to work occasional weekend and evening hours and to travel, as needed

Nice To Haves

Extensive years of litigation experience, including clerkships, is preferred, especially including both trial and appellate work
Demonstrated leadership skills, for instance serving as lead counsel on a litigation or project team
Experience in complex or impact litigation (e.g., constitutional claims, Section 1983 cases, class actions)
Experience with oral argument, taking and defending depositions, participating in evidentiary hearings, and motions practice
Subject-matter expertise in relevant issue areas (e.g., voting rights, criminal legal system reform, First Amendment, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, etc.)
Experience with legislative, policy, or administrative advocacy and collaborating with community-based organizations or impacted populations
Demonstrated experience with press strategies for advocacy, including interviews and appearances in print, audio, and video media
Experience planning and facilitating workshops, trainings, meetings, and other community events
Developed skills in working with or representing vulnerable clients
Language proficiency relevant to the communities served

Responsibilities

Litigate a wide range of civil rights and/or civil liberties cases in state and federal courts, including: Conducting factual investigation and legal research, Drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, and memoranda, Engaging in discovery, including taking and defending depositions, Examining witnesses and presenting evidence at hearings and trials, Participating in oral advocacy at trial and/or appellate levels, Negotiating settlements and drafting related agreements
Identify, investigate, and develop new cases, including client outreach, intake, and relationship-building
Collaborate with colleagues across departments and with external partners, including co-counsel, cooperating attorneys, advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders
Provide technical assistance and legal advice to cooperating attorneys and others who seek assistance on litigation concerning civil rights and civil liberties, legislation, and advocacy
Develop and maintain relationships with legal associations, pro bono counsel, partners, and coalitions to support litigation and advocacy goals
Contribute to integrated advocacy strategies, including policy, legislative, community engagement, and communications efforts
Provide legal analysis and support for organizational campaigns and strategic initiatives
Engage in public education, coalition work, and community outreach in consultation and collaboration with other programmatic departments
Deliver presentations, trainings, or continuing legal education (CLE) programs
Serve as a representative or spokesperson for the organization on legal issues and cases, in collaboration with the communications department
Travel as needed for litigation, conferences, speaking engagements, and client development