Criminal Defense Practice Leader

Background

Still She Rises, Inc. (SSR) provides free legal representation to pregnant women, mothers, and women who are primary caregivers who have been brought into the criminal legal and family policing systems. Founded in North Tulsa, SSR delivers client-centered, innovative, and holistic legal advocacy. We honor the dignity of the women we serve by championing our clients' individual goals while working to address systemic issues that impact the broader community.

SSR is the first holistic defense office in the country dedicated exclusively to the representation of mothers in both the criminal and civil legal systems. The Criminal Defense Practice represents women navigating Oklahoma's criminal courts and is a cornerstone of SSR's holistic defense model.

About the Role

The Criminal Defense Practice Leader is responsible for the overall direction, quality, and sustainability of the Criminal Defense Practice. Working collaboratively with the Legal Director, the Practice Leader ensures that the Criminal Defense Practice is aligned with the strategic goals set out by the Executive Director.

This role oversees day-to-day operations and development of the practice. The ideal Practice Leader showcases a record of investment in client-centered, holistic legal advocacy and is invigorated by developing others.

Key Responsibilities

Criminal Practice Development

• Further develop and continuously elevate the standard of practice through innovative motions, arguments, and strategies.
• Develop and implement training materials for new staff as well as ongoing skill and knowledge trainings.
• Collaborate with SSR leadership to implement policies, procedures, and tools used to develop the practice area and coordinate with the interdisciplinary practice as a whole.
• Manage relationships with court system players to facilitate efficient and effective advocacy.

Supervision of Criminal Defense Practice Staff

• Supervise the day-to-day work of attorneys and paralegals in the criminal defense practice.
• Manage intake and case assignments, practice priority implementation, and supervision of appearances, hearings, and trials as needed.
• Support attorneys in their professional development, including conducting performance reviews, providing regular feedback, coaching staff in applying best practices, and identifying appropriate resources and training events.

Direct Client Representation (Limited Caseload)

• Co-chair cases with junior attorneys to support team development and capacity building.
• Maintain a limited caseload to model strong practice.

Culture

• Invest in the continued growth and development of all team members.
• Model thoughtfulness, responsiveness, and safety to team members and clients.
• Enforce SSR's values and commitment to those values through specific behaviors.
• Promote a culture of inclusion and belonging for clients and team members.

Other Duties

• Other duties as needed and assigned.

Core Skills

• Judgment, Integrity & Professional Discretion — Exercises sound legal and professional judgment, maintains confidentiality, and applies discretion when handling sensitive client, case, and organizational information.
• Curious Self-Starter — Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and initiative in understanding legal issues, case context, and client goals.
• Strong Legal Analysis & Critical Thinking — Analyzes complex legal and factual information, identifies key issues, patterns, and risks, and applies sound reasoning to inform legal strategy.
• Organization & Time Management — Maintains organized systems to manage case files, deadlines, filings, and court obligations.
• Adaptability & Professional Responsiveness — Adapts effectively to shifting case dynamics, court schedules, client needs, and practice priorities.
• Cultural Awareness & Compassionate Client Engagement — Engages clients and colleagues with respect, empathy, and cultural humility across diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Persistence & Follow-Through — Maintains focus through legal and procedural obstacles and ensures matters are advanced thoughtfully to completion.
• Clear & Effective Written & Verbal Communication — Communicates legal analysis, strategy, and information with clarity, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Collaboration & Team Orientation — Works effectively within legal and interdisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

Required

• Significant criminal defense practice experience, including complex felonies.
• J.D. from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
• Prior experience managing and developing individual team members.
• Enthusiastic alignment and commitment to SSR's mission, vision, and values.
• Ability and desire to manage multiple projects at once.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial, gender, and social equity and against institutional racism.
• Desire and experience working with or on behalf of members of marginalized communities.
• Superb communication skills.
• Sound decision-making skills and ability to set clear priorities.

Preferred

• Experience practicing in Oklahoma criminal courts.
• Indigent defense experience.
• Exceptional team-building and management skills.
• Experience working on collaborative, interdisciplinary legal teams.

Additional Requirements

• Active law license in good standing with the Oklahoma Bar, or eligibility for admission within a defined timeframe based on role and practice requirements.
• Valid driver's license and reliable access to a vehicle to attend court, client meetings, and community-based obligations.
• Comfort working in varied settings, including courts, offices, community locations, and remote environments as required by practice needs.
• Regular evening and/or weekend availability as dictated by court schedules, client needs, and case demands.
• Ability to travel regularly within the Tulsa metropolitan area, with occasional in-state or out-of-state travel for court proceedings, training, or professional development.
• Proficiency with standard legal and office technology, including document drafting, case management systems, and electronic filing platforms.
• Commitment to SSR's mission, vision, and values, including client-centered, trauma-informed, and equity-driven legal advocacy.

Compensation

$120,000 - $130,000 annually (commensurate with experience), plus medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA, and a 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution. Generous PTO.

How to Apply

Visit stillsherises.org and click on the Careers tab. Please submit a cover letter and resume when prompted. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. This position will remain open until filled.

Still She Rises is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA, and a 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution. Generous PTO.