Counsel/Senior Counsel

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Job Title: Counsel/Senior Counsel

Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Affiliation: Union
Accountable to: Acting Co-Chief Counsel

About the Role

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Responsible for providing legal support throughout the organization, including in litigation and internal legal counsel, the Senior Counsel will have the ability to address complex civil rights challenges that define the current era, to lead and assist with litigation, and to provide legal advice to Lawyers’ Committee leadership and staff.

The Counsel’s primary supervisor will be the Acting Co-Chief Counsel. Litigation and other legal matters within the purview of a Project Director may be supervised by the Project Director at the direction of the Acting Co-Chief Counsel. Much of the Counsel’s work will involve investigations and litigation, but the Counsel may also work on public education, public policy matters, and internal legal advice.

What You’ll Be Doing

Responsibilities of the Senior Counsel include but are not limited to:

• Participate in investigations, litigation, and other matters, expanding the organization’s capacity by providing support where needed.

• Develop investigations into potential legal violations on behalf of the Lawyers’ Committee’s clients.

• Litigate all aspects of cases from inception through conclusion alongside Lawyers’ Committee staff, firm co-counsel, and nonprofit partner co-counsel.

• Engage in public education and policy efforts supporting the Lawyers’ Committee’s work, including making presentations, attending meetings with stakeholders, and drafting written materials such as reports.

• Provide legal analysis and advice regarding the Lawyers’ Committee’s operations, including compliance with governing laws, such as lobbying requirements and limitations on the activities of 501(c)(3) organizations.

• Offer guidance on legal issues applicable to the organization’s practice, such as the application of certain legal privileges and rules of confidentiality.

• Assist with the development of training and professional development opportunities on legal topics for Lawyers’ Committee staff.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies

• At least 4 years of legal experience (including litigation experience) for the Counsel position and 9 years for the Senior Counsel position.

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing civil rights and racial justice and experience working on civil rights issues.

• Experience litigating complex civil cases, including writing legal memoranda and briefs, engaging in written discovery, and taking and defending depositions.

• Active DC Bar Membership or ability to waive into the DC Bar.

• Excellent legal research and writing skills.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to manage a varied docket of legal work.

• Ability to work constructively with multiple partners, including co-counsel and staff, law firm co-counsel, and other civil society organizations.

• Capacity to develop and maintain relationships with diverse groups and coalitions.

• Excellent writing, interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

• Comfort working in a diverse environment.

• Ability to travel for litigation, conferences, speaking engagements, and client development.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you! Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team.

Apply Today

Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Benefits

The Lawyers’ Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision)

• Parental leave

• 403(b) contribution with employer match

• Voluntary short- and long-term disability

• Employer-paid monthly cell phone stipend

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply.

The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, parental status, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, immigration status, union activities, political affiliation, military veteran status, credit information, or any other protected status under the law.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union. Employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Compensation

The Lawyers’ Committee offers competitive compensation for exempt attorney positions, with salaries ranging from $76,000 to $165,000.

• The specific salary within this range is determined by the candidate’s experience, including the timing of their law degree attainment.

• Candidates who obtained their law degree more recently will start at the lower end of the scale.

• Candidates with more extensive experience or those who obtained their law degree earlier may be eligible for salaries towards the higher end of the scale.

We are committed to providing a fair and transparent compensation structure that reflects the value and experience of our attorneys.

Learn more here