Litigation Director

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Litigation Director

Hybrid remote work schedule: 3 days in office/field and 2 days remote Base office: in any PLS location

Position Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Exempt

Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) is a community-based non-profit legal aid agency governed by a local Board of Directors. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina (WNC), Pisgah Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income people in WNC. The organization currently has offices in Asheville, Brevard, Burnsville, Hendersonville, Highlands-Cashiers, Marshall, Newland, and Rutherfordton. With over 120 dedicated staff, including over 30 attorneys plus program staff, and an active group of 200 volunteer attorneys, the program provides free services to over 20,000 people per year to meet their basic needs, primarily in the poverty law areas of housing, public benefits, domestic violence prevention, health care, immigration, and consumer law.

PLS is seeking a full-time N.C. licensed attorney to serve as a Litigation Director. The Litigation Director will lead PLS’s litigation efforts, overseeing complex and impactful cases that advance the organization’s mission. This role includes managing litigation strategies, supporting staff attorneys, and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders. In addition to litigation responsibilities, the Litigation Director will take on special projects and organizational initiatives as needs arise, contributing to PLS's continued growth and responsiveness to community needs.

Responsibilities

• Commitment to PLS’ mission, values and vision.
• Lead and develop strategic impact litigation initiatives to address systemic injustices.
• Assure high quality legal services and carry a caseload and co-counsel as appropriate.
• Supervise and support staff attorneys in managing complex cases, including trial preparation and appellate advocacy.
• Provide legal analysis and advice on potential litigation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and professional standards in all legal work.
• Mentor and train staff attorneys on litigation best practices and professional development and support law students and volunteer attorneys as needed.
• Conduct regular case reviews to provide guidance and feedback.
• Support legal teams in effectively utilizing resources and navigating challenging cases.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to align litigation efforts with organizational goals.
• Represent PLS in public forums, coalitions, and with community partners to advocate for clients and systemic change.
• Assist with program planning, grant reporting, and organizational development.
• Take on special initiatives, including research, policy analysis, or program development, as directed by the Executive Director.
• Provide leadership in responding to emerging community needs and crises.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Current North Carolina law license or eligibility to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, including substantial litigation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex litigation, including appellate practice.
• Commitment to social justice and serving low-income and marginalized communities.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in legal aid, civil rights, or public interest law.
• Knowledge of the unique legal challenges facing rural communities.

Salary/ Benefits

Salary ranges from $84,551 - $125,022 depending on experience. Additional bilingual language skills that are applicable to this role may qualify for up to an additional $3k upon completing a language assessment test. Our salary scale is predetermined based on the years of relative professional work experience that qualify for this position to ensure equity in pay.

Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage the 1st of the month following the start date. Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) pays 100% of the Employee and 50% of the Dependent Cost for BCBS Medical and Dental coverage. PLS pays 50% of the Employee Coverage Cost for BCBS Vision coverage. PLS pays 100% of Long-Term & Short-Term Disability Coverage, Life Insurance Coverage of 5x base salary + an additional $15,000 Life & AD&D Coverage. 401k Retirement Plan after 6 months of employment. Additional Fringe Benefits includes Pet Insurance, Paid Parental Leave, Paid Bereavement Leave, 13.5 Company Holidays, 22 Paid Leave Days, Paid Sabbatical Leave for eligible staff, Employee Assistance Program for entire household and a great working environment with work life balance! View our 2025 Benefits Guide here: https://www.flipsnack.com/5de6a5a7c6f/pisgah-legal-services-2024-benefit-guide/full-view.html

To Apply

Submit your online application with resume and cover letter through our Career Center located at

https://www.pisgahlegal.org/jobs

PLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice.

Pisgah Legal Services is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with our Human Resources department.

Company info

Pisgah Legal Services