ACLU is hiring a
Senior Staff Attorney

Summary

Join the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Mississippi as a Senior Staff Attorney and contribute to advancing civil liberties and civil rights throughout the state. This role involves litigating cases, engaging in non-litigation advocacy, and collaborating with various departments to set goals and implement strategies.

Requirements

• J.D. with at least four years of experience, including federal court litigation experience, preferably with experience litigating federal civil rights and civil liberties cases
• If not already barred in Mississippi, candidate must pass or waive into the Mississippi bar
• A strong understanding of, and demonstrated commitment to, civil liberties, civil rights and the mission of the ACLU
• Substantive knowledge and understanding of constitutional law and civil liberties issues
• Demonstrated skills in litigating independently, jointly, and under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with both legal and non-legal audiences
• Demonstrated skills in legal analysis, research, and strategic thinking
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and with community organizations and coalitions
• A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance
• Creative, result-oriented, self-starting, willing to learn, and able to manage an aggressive schedule, working beyond 9-5 as needed
• Willingness to travel across the state for litigation and engagements

Responsibilities

• Investigate, develop and litigate impact civil liberties and civil rights cases in federal and state court
• Identify and recruit plaintiffs, conduct factual and legal research, prepare memorandums, write demand letters, draft pleadings and briefs, conduct discovery, argue motions, try cases, write appellate briefs and amicus briefs
• Supervise, lead, or participate in a team of associated attorneys; co-counsel cases with other public interest groups and the national staff
• Recruit and work successfully with ACLU volunteer attorneys. Comment on and edit letters and briefs of co-counsel and other ACLU staff
• Work with partners to screen and develop promising cases
• Serve as a spokesperson for the ACLU with the press and as a public speaker and educator
• Work with ACLU staff to implement integrated advocacy campaigns and high-impact strategies utilizing the ACLU’s legislative, policy, and communications programs
• Engage with partners working in legal and advocacy capacities to build and mobilize issue networks statewide as appropriate
• Support the work of the Advocacy and Communications Departments by collaborating on policy and legislative materials, as well as by writing editorials, blogs and public education documents
• Recruit and supervise law students and interns
• Proactively communicate with all staff so they are well-informed of upcoming hearings, judicial decisions, and important developments in the legal arena
• Ensure that the Legal and Executive Directors are adequately informed of work and solicit direction and input appropriately and consistent with professional standards
• Prepare administrative and grant reports, provide administrative and organizational support as needed, and adhere to internal systems for attorney recordkeeping and information sharing

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Employer-paid medical insurance for employees
• 401(k) retirement benefits plan with employer match
• Life insurance
• Extended medical leave including parental leave after an eligible period
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible remote work environment