Attorney Crrj Program

Profile

Attorney – CRRJ Program

The candidate will serve as litigation specialist for the CRRJ program, litigating major cases, including serving as LAJC’s primary attorney on Scott v. Clarke, a class action on behalf of 1,200 women incarcerated at Fluvanna women’s prison. The attorney will work with the CRRJ team to identify, file and litigate other impact cases to challenge the reach of the criminal legal system in Virginia with a community driven advocacy approach. Specifically, the attorney will file and handle impact cases arising from CRRJ campaigns with the goal of bringing systemic changes and building the power and leadership of marginalized communities most impacted by the harm the lawsuit seeks to remedy. It is critical that the attorney work to integrate impact litigation as well as any individual representation into existing and newly developing campaigns and grassroots advocacy. The attorney will both handle cases independently and serve as co-counsel with experienced pro bono, civil rights attorneys around the state. In cases where we work with pro bono partners and external organizations, the attorney will assist with managing of the litigation team. As a part of the CRRJ team, this attorney will also strategize with the CRRJ team on campaigns – both the ones they are staffed on as well as the others – and assist with integrating litigation or courtroom advocacy with other tools in campaigns that will advance CRRJ’s work. This attorney will supervise 1-3 attorneys or paralegals, which includes day-to-day supervision and mentorship including conducting regular check-ins and managing workflow. This attorney will have an opportunity to teach a clinic at the University of Virginia School of Law. At least two years of relevant experience. Strong commitment to social, economic, and racial justice. Membership in the Virginia State Bar, or eligibility and willingness to become a member of the VSB promptly – either by passing the bar exam in February 2023, or meeting requirements to “waive” into bar membership without taking the bar exam. (Note that new Virginia Supreme Court Rule 1A:9 allows most lawyers who have practiced continuously in another jurisdiction for two years to become members of the VSB if they practice for Virginia legal aid organizations (like LAJC) under a “Legal Aid Counsel Certificate.”) LAJC provides bar study leave and application fee coverage. Professional or lived experience advocating in low-wealth communities. Outstanding oral advocacy, research, writing, and leadership skills. Ability to work effectively across multiple teams. Ability to communicate effectively across lines of identity. Willingness to travel statewide occasionally. Interest in movement lawyering. Desire to seek out feedback and learn from it. Willingness to work to decrease the scope and power of the criminal legal system. Familiarity with class action cases. Familiarity with community lawyering approaches and/or organizing around criminal legal reform. Experience with impact advocacy, especially systemic litigation. Expertise in one or more of the CRRJ’s core issue areas, including fines and fees, police oversight, expungement, and prisoner rights issues. Experience with coalition building.

Company info

Legal Aid Justice Center
Anna Kurien
1000 Preston Avenue, Suite A
Charlottesville
Virginia
United States 22903
Website : http://www.justice4all.org/