Legal Counsel

SummaryThe National Student Legal Defense Network (“Student Defense”) is a non-profit organization focused on consumer protection in higher education. Through litigation and advocacy, we protect students from predatory lending and other abusive practices by for-profit colleges and other institutions. Since launching six years ago, Student Defense has developed a track record of success in trial and appellate courts, winning tangible relief for student loan borrowers. Simultaneously, we developed and promoted a policy agenda that has led to substantial debt relief for hundreds of thousands of student loan borrowers and seeks to promote equity and consumer protections across higher education.By bringing cases, and through our other advocacy we achieve structural change such as curbing fraud and misrepresentations to students, combating reverse redlining practices that target students of color, and obtaining relief for defrauded student loan borrowers. Student Defense is also working with state and federal agencies and organizations to find new ways to streamline student access to public benefits.We are looking for an attorney with the ability and passion to litigate cases that will advance these interests. To apply: please send an email with a cover letter and resume to careers@defendstudents.org.Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesStudent Defense is seeking an attorney to serve as Counsel, with a specific focus on litigation and advocacy related to predatory student lending and other abusive practices harming students.Responsibilities include:• Serving as counsel in class-action and impact litigation on behalf of student loan borrowers against for-profit colleges and predatory companies;• Working on all aspects of litigation, including case development, discovery, depositions, motion practice, trials and appeals;• Conducting investigations, using FOIA and other tools, into the effectiveness of government oversight of predatory colleges;• Maintaining close working relationships with coalition partners;• Coordinating federal and state advocacy work on student lending issues;• Representing Student Defense at public events and coalition meetings, as needed;• Representing clients in litigation involving the Administrative Procedure Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, FOIA, and other areas of consumer law.QualificationsThe ideal candidate will have:• A law degree and admission to a state bar, with ability to waive into the D.C. Bar, if not already admitted;• 3-8 years of legal experience, with a preference for litigation experience;• Demonstrated ability to work on all aspects of litigation and legal research;• Strong research, analytical, oral and written communication skills;• Sound judgment and creativity in developing legal theories;• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently in a small, start-up environment;• A commitment to Student Defense’s mission, purpose, and values;• Additional desired qualifications: Knowledge of and experience with consumer protection law, Administrative Procedure Act claims, and student lending issues.Salary is highly competitive and commensurate with experience. Student Defense offers excellent benefits, including health-care benefits, and a pre-tax retirement match.Location: Washington, D.C. area is preferred; open to remote work.Commitment to Diversity and InclusionPlease e-mail a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to careers@defendstudents.org as soon as possible. Student Defense will review applications and make decisions on a rolling basis.Student Defense is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, or other non-work-related factors.

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