Managing Attorney

## About Americans United

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan educational and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the constitutional principle of church‑state separation as the only way to ensure freedom of religion, including the right to believe or not believe, for all of us.

Founded in 1947, Americans United is a diverse and dynamic organization composed of people from all walks of life: lawyers and lobbyists, students and activists, religious leaders and impassioned Americans. AU includes people of faith and people who don’t profess any particular faith. It is a community that welcomes people of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities. Because we work on a wide variety of issues with many different communities, we value what diversity and diverse perspectives bring to our work.

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## Position Summary

The Managing Attorney will be a forward‑thinking, passionate leader for change who is excited to lead and collaborate with a dynamic team and organization, working together to fight for freedom without favor and equality without exception.

This role will focus not only on litigation but also on assisting in managing the largest program at Americans United. AU’s Legal Department litigates church‑state issues in federal and state courts across the country, with a substantial practice before the federal courts of appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Most of our cases involve novel, cutting‑edge First Amendment and other constitutional issues. In recent years, for example, we have litigated lawsuits and submitted amicus briefs challenging or opposing:

– **Coercive religious practices** in the public schools
– **Religion‑based refusals** by businesses, foster‑care agencies, and government officials to provide services to LGBTQ+ people and religious minorities
– **Religion‑based efforts** to deprive people of access to abortion and contraceptives
– **Race‑based and sex‑based discrimination** by religious employers

A significant portion of time will be spent serving as lead counsel in trial and appellate litigation of church‑state cases around the country. Your work will include defending the rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, and racial and religious minorities against religion‑based discrimination and oppression. You will also fight to keep religion out of government—including through challenges to religious activities in public schools, public financing of religious institutions, and government‑sponsored religion in the public square.

This role will also assist in managing AU’s legal fellowship program. AU currently has three constitutional litigation fellowship positions. Fellows participate in all aspects of litigation and receive intensive training in trial and appellate litigation. A portion of your time will be spent recruiting, hiring, and onboarding these fellows. This role will also further develop AU’s legal fellowship program by strengthening relationships with national law firms that lend associates as fellows and exploring opportunities with organizations like Equal Justice Works.

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## Essential Duties & Responsibilities

### Develop, Litigate, and Lead Lawsuits

– **Serve as lead counsel** in church‑state cases throughout the country
– **Serve as principal counsel** in cases co‑counseled with pro bono teams or partner organizations
– **Draft and edit pleadings** and briefs, take depositions, deliver oral arguments, conduct trials and evidentiary hearings, and prosecute appeals
– **Develop new cases** by investigating facts and law, formulating strategies, and identifying plaintiffs
– **Draft and edit amicus briefs** and evaluate amicus opportunities
– **Make public‑speaking and media appearances**
– **Help determine strategic vision** for AU’s litigation program
– **Collaborate across departments** to support legal cases, policy work, and campaigns

### Supervise Legal Fellows and Develop Fellowship Program

– **Lead hiring** and manage onboarding of legal fellows; conduct check‑ins and annual evaluations
– **Provide direct supervision**, mentoring, and professional development
– **Set performance expectations** and support fellows in meeting them
– **Develop and shape the fellowship program**
– **Align fellowships with organizational goals**

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## Skills and Experience

*Research shows candidates from marginalized groups are less likely to apply when they don’t meet 100% of requirements; please consider applying even if you don’t match all criteria.*

Americans United seeks an attorney who ideally:

– **Has at least ten years of litigation experience** (judicial clerkships count)
– **Has substantial lead‑counsel experience**
– **Has exceptional analytical and writing skills**
– **Is a persuasive oral advocate**
– **Is a self‑starter** who takes initiative and identifies new cases
– **Is able to travel** as needed
– **Has experience training legal fellows**
– **Has supervisory or managerial experience**
– **Has strong interpersonal skills**
– **Is committed to public interest work** and separation of religion and government
– **Demonstrates commitment to DEIA**

Americans United welcomes applicants of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions and beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities.

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## Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This is a hybrid position involving work from a home office and/or professional office environment. The role uses standard office equipment and requires the ability to remain stationary for extended periods, communicate effectively, and occasionally move about within the workspace.

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## Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is **$153,688.50 – $181,135.50**, including a 5% locality adjustment for the Washington, DC metro area. Placement within the range will align with AU’s compensation framework based on role and years of experience.

Americans United offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer‑paid premiums for health care, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, 401(k) with match, and commuter subsidy.

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## Equal Opportunity Employer

AU is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

If you need an accommodation for a disability to apply, email **[email protected]**.

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## Application Information

We will only be accepting applications from candidates who currently live in or are willing to relocate to the Washington, DC metro area.

Learn more here