Senior Counsel

Summary

The Senior Counsel develops and oversees complex litigation at the trial level (and appellate proceedings arising from trial-level litigation) in furtherance of MJC’s mission. They provide thought leadership on issues that the organization has identified as current priorities. They lead litigation teams and supervise and mentor junior attorneys, interns, fellows, and litigation support team members. They ensure a client-centered approach to litigation and engage in advocacy with organizational and pro bono partners. They also support the Director of the Illinois Office in case management, litigation team supervision and resource allocation.

Who We Are

MJC is a national nonprofit civil rights law firm. We represent people who have been harmed by America’s criminal legal system, seeking to vindicate their rights, elevate their story, and hold people with power accountable. We do this primarily through cutting-edge litigation and advocacy across the country, on end-to-end issues in the criminal legal system, from policing, to prosecutorial discretion, to rights of indigent defendants, to mass incarceration, to prison conditions, to wrongful convictions and the death penalty. For more information on our work, visit www.macarthurjustice.org.

The criminal legal system disproportionately harms people of color, people from low-income communities, people who were formerly incarcerated, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We strongly encourage people who identify within these and other communities underrepresented in the legal profession to apply. All applicants must have and be committed to the cultural competence required to work with clients, co-workers, and community partners who come from different backgrounds and experiences.

What You’ll Do

Litigation:

• • Oversee complex civil litigation, including litigation strategy and planning, and allocate responsibilities between litigation team members (with both internal and external co-counsel and pro bono partners).
  • Oversee work performed by attorneys and team members throughout all stages of complex litigation.
  • Ensure client-centered approach to litigation, including by engaging in effective client outreach and communication.
  • Manage the comprehensive preparation and presentation of cases for hearings and trials. This involves having a meticulous approach to case analysis, strategic development, witness preparation, courtroom presentation, and the skillful execution of legal strategies to effectively advocate for clients before judicial bodies. It also encompasses crafting compelling legal arguments, gathering and presenting evidence, and engaging with all relevant parties to ensure a robust and persuasive case presentation. Senior counsel serve as first chairs at trials and evidentiary hearings.
  • Facilitate efforts aimed at achieving settlements when deemed suitable. This involves actively participating in negotiations and leveraging expertise to assist in the resolution of disputes and fostering an environment conducive to mutually agreeable outcomes.
  • Provide case-related direction, supervision, mentorship, and oversight of more junior team members.
  • Manage appellate proceedings arising from trial-level litigation, including both interlocutory and post-judgment appeals.

Communications & External Collaboration:

• • Actively engage in external communications related to critical organizational priorities.
  • Work collaboratively with the Communications team, specifically in relation to casework, to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to communication strategies.
  • Build and sustain relationships with pro bono partners and partner organizations that are connected to the organization’s work and engage in advocacy to achieve shared goals.
  • Support the organization’s fundraising and development efforts as necessary.
  • Present at relevant conferences and community-based events.

Internal Strategic Engagement and Support:

• • Contribute to strategic discussions and events related to the organization’s priority issues.
  • Partner with the Office Director on such needs as case management, resource allocation, mentorship and supervision of more junior attorneys, interns/students, or litigation support team members, and administrative matters, including outreach and hiring.
  • Champion internal initiatives and functions, including those related to development, technology, the administration of intern and fellowship programs, and professional training programs.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree and JD required

Skills and Experience:

• • Seven (7) years of trial-level litigation experience required but ten (10) or more years is strongly preferred.
  • Substantial jury trial or similar hearing experience is preferred.
  • Strong leader with the ability to inspire and help others reach their potential.
  • Substantive knowledge of constitutional law, civil rights and civil liberties issues, complex litigation, federal and state practice and procedure, and appellate work.
  • Ability to skillfully supervise attorneys, interns, and fellows, and legal support staff.
  • Demonstrated skill in litigating both independently and collaboratively, as well as under pressure, and experience presenting cases for trial and hearings.
  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and lead on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and with community organizations and coalitions.
  • Dedication to zealous advocacy and building client-centered relationships and relationships with individuals and groups that are directly impacted
  • Prior experience working on social justice campaigns.
  • Excellent writing, editing, legal research, and oral communication skills, as well as exceptional skill in legal analysis and strategic thinking.
  • Demonstrated skill in conducting discovery, including document review, written discovery, ESI, and depositions.
  • Excellent communication skills with both legal and non-legal audiences.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, including with colleagues and both co-counsel and opposing counsel.
  • Self-starter with a passion for the MJC mission and a desire to effectuate change in the criminal legal system.
  • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to follow-through on assignments independently, to manage several projects and deadlines at once, and to be flexible in the event of changing priorities and deadlines.
  • Very close attention to detail and a commitment to completing tasks quickly and thoroughly.
  • Meticulous record and time keeping skills.
  • Ability to create a working environment that is inclusive, equitable, caring, and welcoming, and a willingness to honor the diverse experiences and perspectives of MJC staff and clients.

License and Certifications:

Admission to the Illinois state bar, or eligibility for admission immediately upon hiring.

Technology:

• • Proficiency with Microsoft Products, including SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and Outlook required.
  • Proficiency with Adobe Pro and case management and trial presentation software, such as Relativity, CaseMap, and Clio preferred.
  • Proficiency with legal research databases, including LexisNexis or Westlaw.

Travel:

Regular travel 1-3 times per month, including to remote areas for prison and jail visits. Additional travel as needed for court appearances, depositions, and client meetings and for organizational Staff Retreats and Board Presentations.

Location:

MJC operates on a hybrid schedule and requires some days in the Chicago office each week. Senior Counsel must reside within commuting distance to our Illinois office

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter addressing your experience relevant to the considerations above, a recent legal writing sample, a current CV, and references. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted through September 20, 2025 or until the position is filled.

The starting salary range for this position is $125,000 – $158,000, commensurate with years of experience and includes an excellent benefits package that includes employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, EAP, FSA plans, 401K, and a generous paid-time-off policy. Learn more about our benefits at macarthurjustice.org/benefits/

MJC is a (PSLF) eligible employer. For more information visit:

studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment