Legislative Staff Attorney

## MALDEF Overview
MALDEF is the nation’s leading non-profit Latino civil rights law firm. Founded in 1968, MALDEF works to safeguard the civil rights of Latinos and to increase the community’s ability to participate fully in American society.

We currently seek a **Legislative Staff Attorney** to monitor the status of pending legislation; devise and analyze proposed legislation and administrative policies and regulations; and work with state legislative and executive representatives and community organizations to advocate desired policies.

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## Job Responsibilities
– Analyzes and drafts legislation, policy issues and proposals, governmental regulations, rules, and executive orders.
– Researches, analyzes, and prepares recommendations, position papers, testimony, and other documents.
– Participates in developing short- and long-term plans and strategies for legislative advocacy, preparing memoranda on potential and pending legislation.
– Meets regularly with state legislators and/or their staff, and attends hearings, press conferences, and relevant legislative meetings to submit written materials, testify to MALDEF’s position on issues and legislation, and obtain information.
– Develops and maintains a network of ties to other organizations, experts, and knowledgeable individuals with similar interests and goals; initiates and maintains coalitions; attends community events; and presents policy positions.
– Prepares reports of substantive legislative trends and relevant actions taken to promote advocacy of positions, including ongoing efforts in coalition building, lobbying, or legislative strategies.
– Maintains time sheets reflecting areas and advocacy work performed.
– Works closely with communications staff to develop media relationships and obtain press coverage for policy positions.
– May participate in litigation as needed.

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## Qualifications and Experience
– Juris Doctor or equivalent degree required.
– At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in civil rights and public interest fields preferred.
– Evidence of ability to apply legal or other training to legislative analysis required.
– Excellent research, writing, and communication skills required.

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## Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
– Legislative experience is a plus.
– Background in immigration issues is a plus.
– Knowledge and awareness of local, regional, and national issues affecting the Latino community preferred.
– Knowledge of civil rights policy and law, immigration policy and law, and/or education policy and law is desirable.
– Undergraduate and graduate majors or courses relevant to civil rights and advocacy concerns are desirable.
– Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is preferred.

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## Compensation
**$66,200 to $101,400+ per year.**
Fixed salary scale commensurate with years of legal experience.

MALDEF’s generous benefits package includes:
– Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and eligible dependents
– Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
– Life insurance and employee assistance program
– 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and match
– 20 days of personal time (PTO)
– Eleven paid holidays each year

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## How to Apply
Send cover letter, résumé, and a **3–5 page writing sample** by email to: **[email protected]**

For ease of processing, title your email:
**Your Name – SAC Legislative Staff Attorney**

Attachments should be in **.doc, .docx, .rtf, .txt, or .pdf** format.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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**Position Open Until Filled.**
© Equal Opportunity Employer

For more information, visit: **[www.maldef.org]**
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