Students’ Civil Rights Project Staff Attorney

# Public Justice – Staff Attorney, Students’ Civil Rights Project

Public Justice is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to pursuing high‑impact lawsuits to combat social and economic injustice, protect the Earth’s sustainability, and challenge predatory corporate conduct and government abuses. We seek to hire an attorney with at least five years of civil rights litigation and advocacy experience for a Staff Attorney position in our Students’ Civil Rights Project.

## Public Justice Overview

Public Justice specializes in high‑impact, cutting‑edge litigation. We use that tool along with strategic communications and partnerships to take on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time—abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights and civil liberties, and the destruction of the Earth’s sustainability.

Our Students’ Civil Rights Project is one of several substantive areas of our work. Other areas include:

– **Access to Justice Project**, which seeks to make the civil court system a fair, equitable, and effective tool for those with less power
– **Debtors’ Prison Project**, which combats the criminalization of poverty
– **Environmental Enforcement Project**, which fights climate change and secures environmental justice

For more information on Public Justice, please visit www.publicjustice.net.

## Students’ Civil Rights Project Overview

Public Justice’s Students’ Civil Rights Project (SCRP) combines high‑impact litigation with other advocacy tools to combat discrimination in schools. We strive to create systemic change so all students can learn and thrive, and to secure justice for students who are denied educational opportunities based on race, national origin, ethnicity, or sex—including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

We represent students at all stages of litigation, including pre‑suit negotiations, trial courts, appeals, and oppositions to cert petitions.

### Ongoing and Recent Matters

– **Doe v. South Carolina** – Putative class action on behalf of a trans student and others prohibited by state law from using restrooms consistent with their gender identities
– **Shelby v. Huntsville City Board of Education** – Case on behalf of parents of a student who died by suicide after anti‑LGBTQ+ harassment and race discrimination at an Alabama school
– **Williamson v. Heritage Preschools LLC** – Suit on behalf of the family of a Black toddler singled out for excessive discipline and expelled because of his race
– **Brown v. State of Arizona** – Successful appeal before the en banc Ninth Circuit, later defended from a cert petition, concerning school liability under Title IX for abuse occurring in an off‑campus residence

We also engage in policy and media advocacy, create educational materials for students, families, and lawyers, and collaborate with other advocates.

## Job Responsibilities

– Serve as lead counsel or co‑counsel in the investigation and execution of impact litigation, amicus briefs, and special legal projects aligned with SCRP and Public Justice’s mission
– Participate in the full range of litigation responsibilities, including legal research, analysis, briefing, oral arguments, client communications, settlement negotiations, and occasional factual investigation and discovery
– Develop and engage in legal advocacy inside and outside the courts (reviewing legislation; drafting comments, letters, fact sheets, and other materials; participating in meetings and events; coordinating with student organizers; and partnering with Communications on storytelling campaigns)
– Build networks and collaborate with allies—including Public Justice’s Board and members—to fight racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia in educational institutions
– Speak at conferences, webinars, and other events on issues relevant to SCRP’s work
– Participate in strategic planning for SCRP and organizational initiatives
– Assist with promoting and reporting on SCRP’s work to prospective funders

## Qualifications

– J.D. degree with at least five years of relevant litigation and advocacy experience (clerkships or fellowships may count)
– Excellent analytical, legal research, writing, and public speaking skills, with the ability to adapt communication style for different audiences
– Experience as lead drafter of briefs, ideally in both trial and appellate courts
– Litigation experience with progressively increasing case‑management responsibilities
– Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to follow‑through
– Passion for making the education system more equitable by eliminating race‑ and gender‑based discrimination
– Ability to work independently and collaboratively
– Creativity, initiative, strong work ethic, and sound judgment
– Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment
– Willingness to travel
– Ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations
– Admission to a state bar and willingness to gain admission to the DC bar if not based in DC

**Preferred:** Civil rights litigation experience in the education arena; experience with racial and gender justice issues.

## Compensation & Benefits

This exempt position reports to the SCRP Litigation Director. Public Justice operates as a remote organization, with an office in Washington, DC for in‑person collaboration. Some travel is required.

We offer:

– Mission‑focused, community‑oriented work environment
– Four‑day work week year‑round
– Flexible time off
– Two weeks of sick leave
– All federal and some local holidays
– End‑of‑year office closure
– Employer‑paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
– 401(k) plan

Attorney salaries follow a scale based on years out of law school. In 2026, the starting salary for an attorney five years out is **$109,350**.

## Applications

Interested candidates should submit:

– Cover letter explaining interest in SCRP and qualifications
– Resume
– Law school transcript (official or unofficial)
– Contact information for three references
– Two writing samples (ideally legal briefs). Samples should be unedited or lightly edited; if edited, include an explanation.

Send applications to **[email protected]** with the subject line **“SCRP Staff Attorney.”**
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.

## Public Justice EEO Statement and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access

We recognize that creating a truly equitable, inclusive, and diverse organization is an ongoing journey. Please read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy, available on our website.

Public Justice is an equal‑opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by law.

People of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, multilingual individuals, immigrants, people living with disabilities, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the hiring process, email **[email protected]**.

Studies show that members of marginalized groups often underestimate their qualifications. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification.