CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY (5+ Years of Experience)

The attorney will serve as lead or co-counsel in individual and class action impact litigation in local and federal courts. The attorney will initially be staffed primarily on cases that are part of the Committee’s workers’ rights and criminal legal system dockets (police abuse and prisoners’ rights). The Committee’s workers’ rights program represents workers facing discrimination that limits their access to jobs and violates their workplace rights; fights to protect against wage theft and other abusive conduct; and engages in advocacy for laws and regulations that create equity in the workplace. Throughout its history, the Committee has filed hundreds of individual employment cases and dozens of class actions. Our criminal legal system work aims to address the criminalization of communities of color and dismantle systems of oppression and discrimination in the criminal legal system. That docket currently includes matters addressing excessive force by law enforcement officers, illegal stops and searches, suppression of the First Amendment rights of antiracism demonstrators, and the use of special police officers to harass residents in low income housing complexes. It also includes investigations and litigation concerning injustices in systems of pretrial detention and unlawful prison conditions. The attorney would also be responsible for community outreach to impacted communities for the purpose of developing new policing cases. The attorney may also be staffed on other types of matters as case needs evolve, including in housing, education and disability. In each of these areas, the Committee focuses on litigation and advocacy that will bring about whole system change and/or will bring about broad relief. The person selected will be expected to handle all aspects of litigation including investigation and case development, discovery, motions practice, and trial as part of a team comprised of Committee staff and private bar co-counsel. The person selected will work closely with organizers in impacted communities and advocacy groups to identify the issues of most concern to the communities the Committee serves.Preferred Experience and Skills:Five or more years experience litigation in civil rights or related areas, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, motion practice, and trial;Experience working with community-based organizations and/or organizers;Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations;Able to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that encourages and celebrates differences;D.C. Bar membership (in good standing), or the ability to waive into the DC Bar (required).Applicants with lived experience in communities historically under-resourced and marginalized due to race, class, gender, disability, etc. are encouraged to apply.COMPENSATIONBased upon Washington Lawyers’ Committee pay scale (at the end of this posting). Credit given for prior relevant experience. Generous leave and employer funded benefits.HOW TO APPLYPlease email a letter detailing your interest and prior litigation experience, a resume, three references, and brief writing sample to: wlcjobs@washlaw.org. Please place “[your name] – Civil Rights Attorney” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is an essential component of the Committee, and we encourage all qualified persons to apply.Applicants are accorded an equal opportunity for selection without regard to actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, or political affiliation. This position is a hybrid position with a requirement to be physically in the office located in Washington, D.C. three core days, and up to two days of telework.ATTORNEYS – JOB RESPONSIBILITIESAttorneys in the Bargaining Unit at the Committee occupy roles as Associate Counsel, Counsel, and Senior Counsel, depending on level and nature of experience and skills, in one or more substantive areas of the Committee’s work. The work of Counsel is performed under the supervision of the assigned Supervising Counsel, Deputy Legal Director, Legal Director or Executive Director. Job responsibilities will vary by practice area and by case, but the core set of job responsibilities for all attorneys is:Identify and develop matters appropriate for advocacy or litigation.Conduct complex class and individual impact litigation and provide other legal services as appropriate; engage in policy advocacy with District, state, and federal agencies, as well as legislatures including the District of Columbia Council.Develop and maintain relationships with community based-organizations, organizations led by persons in impacted communities, and other legal and social services providers.Work effectively with organizational clients, and in partnership with policy and advocacy organizations.Work in partnership with co-counsel law firms and attorneys.Maintain or ensure the maintenance of data and records in Legal Server regarding all assigned cases.Record time worked on cases and outreaches contemporaneously in Legal Server.Develop mastery of the law in one or more substantive areas of the Committee’s work.Comply with the rules governing the practice of law in the jurisdictions and forums relevant to the attorney’s practice area, as well as with all applicable rules of professional conduct including the DC Rules Professional Conduct.Be familiar with funding restrictions applicable to any areas in which the attorney is practicing.Timely provide requested information needed for press releases, newsletters, grant applications, donor and volunteer outreach, and grant reports, as requested by program, communications, or development staff.Perform all work at a level of professional excellence.Other duties as assigned.

#J-18808-Ljbffr