JOB SUMMARY:

NLS is seeking an experienced attorney with strong litigation, advocacy, and management skills to actively develop and manage impact litigation and lead our management team. The position is for a key leadership role within NLS and reports to the Deputy Director. Advocacy Director will work closely with Supervising Attorneys/Program Directors and staff to identify systemic legal problems and develop an impact litigation docket to further NLS’ mission and goals.

Essential Functions:

1. 1.     Litigation Program (50%)

• Develop and maintain aggressive impact litigation and advocacy docket, which advances NLS’ strategic priorities;
• Manage all aspects of NLS’ litigation program, including coordinating case selection with the Executive and/or Deputy Director, overseeing the investigation and development of cases prior to filing litigation, and building litigation teams with NLS staff attorneys, pro bono attorneys, and other partners;
• Provide mentorship and training on high-impact litigation cases to staff;
• Oversee litigation in federal and state court and ensure effective client counseling;
• Maintain an individual caseload and manage demand letters, public records requests, legal and policy reports and analysis, pre-litigation investigations, discovery, motion practice, brief writing, hearings and trials, appellate work, and amicus briefs;
• Track litigation work and prepare quarterly reports for NLS’ Board of Directors; and
• Coordinate and collaborate with other groups and organizations, as well as pro bono attorneys, to help build capacity for the impact litigation docket at NLS.

2.     Leadership and Supervision (30%)

• Supervise the management team of four Supervising Attorneys and four Program Directors; provide leadership, direction, and day-to-day supervision on all aspects of work;
• Conduct bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with each Supervising Attorney/Program Director to assess work, and caseloads, and to provide direction and feedback;
• Foster an organizational culture that empowers staff and encourages professional development; and
• Assist with annual reviews of staff.

3.     Policy Advocacy and Organizational Visioning (20%)

• Assist the Executive Director and Deputy Director with new program development, keep abreast of current programs and grant requirements;
• Represent NLS in meetings with stakeholders, public conferences, and other outreach efforts that are strategically and concretely aligned with the development of complex litigation and policy advocacy; and
  • Promote the work of NLS and civil practice.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Supervise student interns, as needed
• Some travel is required

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree;
• Admitted to practice law in the State of NY;
• 10+ years of trial and appellate litigation experience in state and federal courts with a strong background in civil practice;
• 5+ years of management experience;
• Record of handling cases from investigation through all stages of federal and/or state courts and administrative forums
• Excellent written and oral communication, organizational, leadership, and analytical skills
• Strong self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills
• Values diversity, equity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive federal court experience
• Fluency in a language other than English
• Experience with public policy, government, nonprofit organizations, or community organizing

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range is $120,000 to $135,000 and is based on experience. Full-time position with a 35-hour work week and shorter summer hours. Excellent benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, 3 weeks of vacation, 12 paid holidays plus paid week off between Christmas and New Year’s, sick and personal leave, eligibility for public student loan forgiveness, paid $50,000 life insurance, pension plan, HSA, and Flexible Spending Accounts, and paid memberships.