Senior Staff Attorney, Litigation (Two-Year Term)

*** COVID vaccination required. Exemption requests considered on a case-by-case basis. ***

Organizational Profile

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (“AAJC”) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991. Our mission is to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. For more than 30 years, we have served as the leading Asian American voice on civil rights issues in our nation’s capital – fighting for the rights of our communities through policy advocacy, litigation, research, public education, and community engagement.

Based in Washington, DC, Advancing Justice | AAJC is a member of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) affiliation. With our affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, and Southern California, we work together as equal and independent partners, operate under one name, and strive to speak with one unified and powerful voice to promote justice, empower our communities, bring local and national constituents together, and strengthen our multiracial democracy.

• Title: Senior Staff Attorney, Litigation (“Attorney”)
• Reports to: Senior Director and Assistant Director of Litigation
• Term: Immediately; Two-Year Term
• Status: Full-time, Exempt Employee, 40 hours/week
• Salary: $110,000 – $120,000

This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining.

Position Summary

The Senior Staff Attorney (“Attorney”), a member of the Litigation team, is an experienced litigator responsible for identifying, developing, and litigating impact cases advancing the civil and human rights of Asian Americans primarily in federal courts. AAJC’s docket includes, but is not limited to, civil rights cases focusing on immigration/immigrant rights (including family reunification), voting rights, and educational equity (Higher Education and K-12).

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and lead litigation in federal and state courts. Prepare pleadings, motions, and briefs; conduct discovery; present oral arguments; and handle appeals.
• Strategically, creatively, and boldly use client-driven, community-grounded impact litigation to support AAJC’s policy priorities.
• Collaborate with staff across the organization, including the Communications, Community Engagement, Research, Development, and relevant policy teams.
• Assist with and support AAJC’s administrative and legislative advocacy by providing legal analysis and technical assistance to colleagues.
• Develop community education tools, including but not limited to, webinars, trainings, and Know Your Rights (KYR) materials.
• Serve as a legal/policy expert in coalitions with external partners.
• Supervise law student interns and legal fellows, and manage external consultants, as needed.
• Facilitate coordination with pro bono counsel, coalitional partners, and AAJC’s affiliate partners.
• Work with and help lead junior attorneys on case-specific assignments.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic communications plans.
• Engage in the development and implementation of Community Partners’ Network strategies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Fundraising

• Help create and implement a development-supported growth strategy for litigation.
• Work with the Senior Director and Assistant Director to craft project budgets and contribute to grant proposals.
• Provide content/information for donor communications and materials.

Educational and Professional Experience

Education and Experience

• J.D. degree from accredited law school and a member in good standing with a state bar association with ability to waive into DC bar.
• At least six years of litigation experience in federal courts, with experience in immigration, voting rights, and/or educational equity strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in the investigation, development, and litigation of impact cases (depositions, discovery, expert reports, and trial experience).
• Significant experience working with coalitions and forging alliances.
• Experience working with diverse groups, including individuals with limited English proficiency.
• Experience navigating the litigation process with limited resources and capacity.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, rapidly-changing environment.
• Ability to operationalize vision, think strategically, and lead change.
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills.
• Experience and knowledge of Asian American and/or civil and human rights issues preferred.
• Asian language fluency is a plus.

General AAJC Roles

• Live and exhibit the Values of AAJC, promoting trust, teamwork, and transparency.
• Contribute to and follow policies and procedures, including maintenance of confidentiality.
• Participate in and lead decision-making processes and be accountable for outcomes.
• Be available to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Application Process

Send separate attachments for cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample to Hiring Manager at [email protected] or 1620 L Street NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20036. Applications with all three items attached will be considered.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is an equal opportunity employer.