Assistant Counsel Or Senior Counsel

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Assistant Counsel or Senior Counsel

The candidate will work in Litigating a broad range of cases challenging police misconduct and/or seeking structural police reform with a racial justice lens, including both pattern-and-practice and individual cases involving claims of racial discrimination, excessive force, unconstitutional seizures, and mistreatment of protesters; Leading investigations into new matters concerning claims of police misconduct and/or structural reform that advance racial equity in the criminal justice system; Consulting and advising on cases and matters involving policing reform in both state and federal courts, including an analysis of possibilities for intervention as appropriate; Developing strategies and participating in working groups and external conferences designed to address law reforms to ensure police accountability and racial equity in law enforcement policies and practices, including the reform and/or abolition of qualified immunity and scrutiny of policing technology; Investigating potential claims, building relationships with key community partners, preparing complaints, participating in motion practice, discovery, hearings and oral arguments, trials and appeals; Devising and implementing strategies to advance LDF’s racial equity policy agenda related to police accountability and reform; Helping, supervising, and managing litigation teams that include LDF staff attorneys, organizers, cooperating counsel, fellows, legal interns, and others from within and outside of LDF; Serving as a public thought leader on issues concerning police violence and other systemic inequities regarding law enforcement in Black communities; Representing LDF in the media, at conferences and in other public venues; Developing and maintaining relationships with community partners, coalition members, and legal allies; Assisting in creating and implementing multi-pronged advocacy strategy using litigation, organizing, public education, legislation and policy; Collaborating with LDF leadership, litigation attorneys, organizers and policy staff to coordinate police reform litigation with grassroots movements and movement partners; Preparing policy reports, memoranda, briefing papers, public education materials, and talking points for internal and external use; Assisting LDF colleagues in developing skills in impact litigation and the other interdisciplinary advocacy strategies necessary to effect transformative change and reform in furtherance of racial equity; Fostering relationships with other advocates, lawyers and civil rights organizations. A J.D. degree with at least 7 years of litigation experience and admission to the New York or District of Columbia Bar (or eligibility to waive in), including significant experience with Section 1983 litigation against law enforcement agencies and related advocacy challenging law enforcement policies and practices are required. A demonstrated commitment to racial justice and civil rights are required. Experience working with grassroots organizations and community partners, especially in advocacy involving litigation are required. Outstanding legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills are required. Federal and/or state advocacy experience relating to issues affecting communities of color are required Effective public speaking experience are required. Able to work both collaboratively and independently are required. Supervisory and case management experience with an interest in and commitment to the professional development, training and support of attorneys, legal interns and administrative staff are required. Capacity to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues to a variety of audiences are required.

Additional Information

Send resume and cover letter.

Company info

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
Oris Diaz
1444 I Street NW
Washington
District of Columbia
United States 20005
Website : http://www.naacpldf.org/