Deputy Legal Director

ABOUT THE ACLU OF ALASKA

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alaska defends the civil rights and liberties of all Alaskans through litigation, advocacy, and community engagement. They strive to create a more equitable state by partnering with a diverse network of Alaskans dedicated to preserving the rights guaranteed by the U.S. and Alaska Constitutions.

Since their founding in 1971, the ACLU of Alaska has been the premier civil rights organization in Alaska. They address a wide range of constitutional violations and civil liberties issues. Examples include:

• The nation’s first judicial decision that transgender individuals have a constitutional right to a correct gender marker on their driver’s licenses;
• Challenging Alaska's failure to provide non-English ballots and voting materials to indigenous Alaska Native voters;
• An Alaska Supreme Court victory that the government may not discriminatorily tax lesbian and gay couples;
• Defending the right of mentally ill prisoners to apply for parole;
• Resisting legislative attempts to infringe on Alaskan women’s reproductive rights.

To do everything they can to defend civil rights, the ACLU of Alaska consists of two separate non-partisan and nonprofit entities. The ACLU of Alaska fulfills its mission through legislative advocacy, coalition building, and grassroots advocacy while the ACLU of Alaska Foundation pursues the same mission through public education and legal action.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The ACLU of Alaska seeks a Deputy Legal Director to serve as the lead civil rights and liberties litigator-managing their own caseload, supporting the work of other affiliate attorneys, leading the build of a pipeline of talent for Alaska civil rights and liberties defense, and partnering with outside counsel-in the ongoing effort to protect and expand the civil liberties and civil rights of all Alaskans. They pursue work via an integrated advocacy model coordinating among the legal, policy, communications, and community engagement teams.

Alaska’s state constitution is born of the civil rights era and recognizes the state’s obligation for supporting the health and well-being of all Alaskans. That important state context and a uniquely close-knit, mission-driven community, offer a talented Deputy Legal Director an important opportunity to make a felt difference for Alaskans facing injustice and to participate in measurable systems change work.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary duty of the Deputy Legal Director will be to ensure that the ACLU of Alaska develops and delivers work of the highest quality in state and federal court, in cases chosen for the prospect of advancing the rights of all Alaskans.

• Represent the ACLU of Alaska and its clients in all aspects of complex impact litigation, including factual and legal research, client relationship building, discovery, motion practice, trials, appeals, and amicus work;
• Litigate in state and federal court, including acting as lead counsel, second chair, or co-counsel;
• Evaluate legal issues for potential new cases;
• Screen and work with plaintiffs;
• Collaborate with outside pro bono co-counsel; and
• Mentor other attorneys on staff, including legal fellows and summer clerks, in the art and practice of litigation.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

The ACLU of Alaska’s integrated approach to justice requires their attorneys to support the work of the entire team, so that all staff-attorneys and non-attorneys alike, work on shared strategic priorities with an accurate and informed understanding of relevant legal matters and their importance for the mission. Additionally, the Deputy Legal Director has an opportunity to build and nurture a pipeline of legal talent in service to civil rights and liberties defense in Alaska.

• Support the development and implementation of a strategic impact litigation program to advance key civil liberties through state and federal courts, administrative tribunals, and regulatory agencies;
• Provide subject matter support and advice to the Legal and Policy Directors on state and municipal legislative matters, including supervising the work of staff attorneys who may be assigned discrete policy issues;
• Support the Legal Department’s role in affiliate strategic planning to identify current and future issue priority areas;
• Participate in regular team meetings, including teams of more than legal staff, to contribute to the affiliate’s integrated advocacy approach;
• Network and develop relationships with relevant community organizations and individual advocates; and
• Deliver ‘'know your rights" presentations, continuing legal education courses, and other presentations in the community.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

While no one candidate may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will be passionate about the mission and values of ACLU of Alaska and will bring many of the following skills and experiences:

• Demonstrated experience litigating complex matters in state and federal court with at least seven years of active legal practice;
• Demonstrated project management abilities;
• Proven supervision experience;
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively, collaboratively, and independently as needed;
• Passion for the ACLU of Alaska’s mission; and
• Ability to work flexibly in a hybrid in-person/work-from-home/remote environment, remaining attentive to the team’s needs regardless of setting.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation: The salary for the Deputy Legal Director is between $95,000 - $115,000 depending on experience, with yearly bonus opportunities.

Benefits: A career with the ACLU of Alaska provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Staff members have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make a career with the ACLU of Alaska very rewarding, including but not limited to:

• Competitive health and dental benefits.
• 401(k) plan with an employer-match.
• Generous Paid Time Off including vacation, sick, and paid family, bereavement, and holiday leave.
• Licensure fees and malpractice insurance premiums for attorneys and technology reimbursements.
• Wellness days and support.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Dog-friendly workplace.
• Relocation support is available.

TO APPLY

To learn more about the ACLU of Alaska, please visit: www.acluak.org.

The ACLU of Alaska encourages applicants with diverse personal and professional backgrounds, lived experiences, and under-represented communities to apply.

This search is being led by Katherine Jacobs and Jessi Davison of GDSI Leadership. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume, via GDSI’s applicant portal.

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Alaska reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

Commitment to Operational Principles and Equity, Diversity, Belonging, and Inclusion

ACLU AK operates according to the following principles: We are equitable, knowing that the strength of Alaska’s justice ecosystem lies in reciprocity and relationship; We are generational, building strong, integrated systems that sustain organizational wellness and longevity; We are transparent, remaining accountable to our community, our staff, and our Constitutions; and We are place-based, rooting our work in the strengths of the communities and lands we serve.

ACLU AK is an equitable opportunity employer. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission by creating an environment where all community members can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified persons, including people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated, and other members of underrepresented groups.

ACLU AK does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction. We are committed to providing a work environment that practices equitable and inclusive treatment. We work diligently to prevent and address harassment or discrimination of any kind.