Staff Attorney

ACLU of Arkansas • Little Rock, AR

9d • $90,000 - $100,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Arkansas Civil Liberties Union Foundation, Inc. (ACLU-AR) seeks applicants for a full-time Staff Attorney to join its dedicated, collaborative, and racially diverse team in Little Rock. Since 1969, ACLU-AR has been a leading advocate for civil liberties in the Natural State. The Staff Attorney will help us protect and advance a broad range of civil liberties, including free speech, racial justice, voting rights, immigrants’ rights, privacy, religious liberty, reproductive rights, LGBTQ equality, and more.

Requirements

• A strong understanding of, and demonstrated commitment to, civil rights and civil liberties consistent with the mission and goals of the ACLU.
• Experience litigating in federal or state courts.
• Must be licensed to practice law in Arkansas or eligible for admission via reciprocity.
• Excellent analytic, research, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to develop and litigate impact cases, including demonstrated ability to conduct thorough fact-finding and investigations.
• Ability to work collaboratively on a variety of projects and to build strong relationships with lawyers, other staff members, and community organizers and coalitions.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal oversight.
• Proven project and time-management skills, including a high level of organization, the ability to meet deadlines, and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel as needed for case development, conferences, and training.
• Competency with standard computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Excel, and Adobe.
• Ability to synthesize complex issues and communicate them effectively to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with or representing vulnerable clients.
• Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of litigation experience in complex civil cases is preferred, although not strictly required.
• Applicants with judicial clerkship or other experience in lieu of experience as a practicing attorney may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Investigating, developing, and litigating impact civil liberties and civil rights cases at the trial and appellate levels in federal and state courts and administrative forums.
• Identifying possible litigation and handling intake; conducting factual and legal research; evaluating legal theory and strategy; interviewing and counseling clients and witnesses; writing demand letters; drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; conducting discovery; working with experts; presenting oral arguments; and negotiating settlements.
• Working with the legal director to gradually develop their own docket of new cases and areas of expertise, aligned with ACLU-AR’s strategic priorities.
• Participating in the legal department's advocacy work and the organization’s broader integrated advocacy campaigns.
• Serving as a subject-matter expert and advocating on priority issues.
• Drafting and editing public education and non-litigation advocacy materials, such as Know Your Rights materials, in collaboration with the Policy and Communications Departments.
• Providing technical and other support for legislative and policy work, including analyzing bills and occasionally drafting and delivering testimony.
• Engaging with coalition partners, law and policy makers, community representatives, and colleagues from other ACLU offices working on similar issues.
• Coordinating and working with ACLU volunteer cooperating attorneys.
• Assisting in the development of more junior staff, including the direct supervision of interns.
• Speaking publicly, including to the media, to convey ACLU-AR’s positions.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employee and family (100% employer-paid premiums)
• life insurance (100% employer-paid premiums)
• short-term and long-term disability insurance (100% employer-paid premiums)
• 401k with employer match (up to 5.5% based on employee contribution)
• generous paid time off and paid holidays

What This Job Offers

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