ACLU is hiring a
Staff Attorney

Summary

Join the ACLU Foundation of Southern California (ACLU SoCal) as a Senior Staff Attorney to build, lead and supervise litigation, legal, and policy advocacy to protect and advance immigrants’ rights in Kern County. The Attorney will also provide technical assistance to community groups and develop advocacy to protect the rights of people impacted by the immigration system.

Requirements

• Excellent research, writing, analytic, and speaking skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and litigate impact cases
• Ability to work in diverse coalitions and develop advocacy campaigns
• Demonstrated ability to participate in, create, and sustain inclusive and engaging spaces for all
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, build strong relationships, and work well in collaboration with others
• A deep commitment to the cause of civil liberties and civil rights
• Willingness to work occasional weekend and evening hours, as needed
• Extremely strong project and time management skills, including a high level of organization, attention to detail and follow-through, while balancing and prioritizing multiple activities and responsibilities
• Willingness to travel within Southern California as well as occasionally to other parts of the state
• Admitted to practice law in the state of California or willingness to promptly take the California bar exam

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal advocacy and investigate, develop and litigate high-impact cases at the trial and appellate level in federal and state courts
• Lead and manage litigation teams, serve as co-counsel, and work in conjunction with other legal, policy, and organizing staff within the ACLU SoCal, the other two California ACLU affiliates, and partner organizations
• Supervise two staff attorneys, as well as interns
• Serve as a policy expert and advocate on immigrants’ rights issues in support of legislation and other campaigns, with responsibilities including public speaking, media interviews, and outreach, as well as writing op-eds, reports, blogs, social media content, advocacy sign-on letters, fact sheets, and toolkits
• Provide technical support to community groups, advocates, and organizers in the region
• Run trainings for activists and organizers and support the Department’s volunteer engagement programs, as needed
• Establish and cultivate collaborative relationships with community partners, coalitions, stakeholders, and ACLU members
• Conduct outreach, advocacy, and provide technical assistance to public officials and government bodies
• Devise and present engaging 'know your rights' presentations, trainings, and engage in public speaking
• Organize, lead, and participate in community education events and meetings
• Organize and attend lobbying visits with state and local officials, provide testimony to administrative agencies and governing bodies, and develop and cultivate relationships with lawmakers and decisionmakers to advance organizing and policy advocacy objectives
• Forge and maintain relationships with people impacted by the immigration system, community partners, decision-makers, government officials, allied organizations, and academics to implement collaborative projects and foster positive, effective working relationships
• Collaborate with and provide support to people in other ACLU affiliates in California and the Sacramento legislative office, as well as colleagues at the national ACLU

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for staff members and their eligible dependents
• Life and long-term, short-term disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Ample vacation and sick leave
• Fifteen paid holidays