Counsel/Senior Counsel - PADEI

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

The Lawyers’ Committee has litigation, public policy, and advocacy programs in the substantive areas of Voting Rights, Election Protection, Digital Justice, Economic Justice, Criminal Justice, Economic Opportunities, and Fair Housing. The organization advances its mission as the premier organization marshaling the resources of the private bar alongside our own talented staff, with over 1 million pro bono hours billed to our cases and matters over the past decade.

Job Title: Counsel/Senior Counsel

Location: Washington, DC

Job Type: Term (1 year from date of hire)

Union Affiliation: Union

Accountable to: National Director, Protecting and Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative

About the Role:

The Counsel/Senior Counsel will work on various matters to grow and advance the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law’s Protecting and Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (PADEI) Initiative.

Through the PADEI Initiative, the Lawyers’ Committee is engaged in legal, policy, and public education and outreach efforts to protect racial equity, diversity, equity and inclusion, and the rule of law, amid escalating attacks from federal and state governments and private actors. Our efforts aim to shape legal standards and policy frameworks that uphold racial equity as a core democratic and civil rights principle, while addressing the growing wave of misinformation and attacks on equity initiatives.

PADEI's Pro Bono Initiative helps nonprofit organizations conduct analyses of their racial equity and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to proactively ensure they are compliant with relevant federal civil rights laws and legally defensible while still achieving their goals of advancing racial justice.

The Counsel/Senior Counsel will provide strategic legal advice through the Pro Bono Initiative to nonprofit organizations with racial equity programs; develop and disseminate public education resources, programs, and messaging; manage relationships with law firm pro bono co-counsel and clients; develop relationships with key stakeholders and coalition partners; and engage in policy and regulatory advocacy to defend and advance civil rights protections and equal opportunity. This is primarily a non-litigation position. This is a one-year position with a fixed term end date of 1 year from date of hire.

What You’ll be Doing:

Essential responsibilities of the Counsel/Senior Counsel include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide strategic pro bono legal advice to enable nonprofit organizations to proactively ensure that their racial equity programs comply with federal civil rights laws and are legally defensible, while still achieving their goals of advancing racial justice.
• Design and develop public education resources and programs, including fact sheets, talking points, and webinars providing guidance on implementing racial equity and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in light of federal legal and policy developments.
• Advocate on policy and regulatory matters concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion before Congress and federal agencies.
• Represent Lawyers’ Committee in meetings and coalitions with other civil rights organizations, pro bono legal networks, philanthropic organizations and networks, including leading coalition efforts and projects.
• Conduct legal research and write legal advice memoranda, research memoranda, draft comments on regulatory actions, develop training materials for pro bono counsel, and other documents.
• Effectively work with and manage relationships with law firm co-counsel and nonprofit clients.
• Work in close collaboration with organizational colleagues.
• Engage in public speaking, including with media, presentations, and conducting trainings.
• Commitment to diversity within and outside the office and an ability to implement an impact-driven approach to the work.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an attorney.
• Demonstrated commitment to the advancement of racial justice and civil rights.
• Significant experience with federal civil rights laws, including at least one of the following: Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1981, the Fair Housing Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
• Experience working with organizational clients and providing legal advice.
• Familiarity with federal administrative and regulatory processes.
• Commitment and demonstrated ability to provide culturally competent advocacy.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills, with attention to detail.
• Organized and adept at time management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software, Westlaw, and internet research tools.
• Demonstrated capability to collaborate with multiple external partners.
• Ability to analyze issues, develop legal or policy strategies, and apply traditional civil rights laws in an evolving legal and policy environment.
• Ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel for conferences, speaking engagements, and meetings.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active membership in the District of Columbia bar or the ability to waive in.
• Litigation experience helpful but not required.

Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Title: This position is posted at multiple levels to reflect varying experience. The final title and level will be determined based on the candidate’s background and years of experience.

Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union. Employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

The expected range for this role will be: $104,000.00 – $129,000.00

Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend.