Self-Funded Senior Legal Fellow

Alliance for Justice is a national association of almost 100 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy. For 30 years we have been leaders in the fight for a more equitable society on behalf of a broad constituency of environmental, consumer, civil and women’s rights, children’s, senior citizens’ and other groups. Alliance for Justice is premised on the belief that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have our voices heard when government makes decisions that affect our lives.

AFJ is offering a senior legal fellow position for a lawyer with 5-8 years of experience.  The senior fellow, whose salary must be self-funded by a grant from a private employer or foundation, will undertake a variety of research and organizing projects focusing in great part on raising awareness about the importance of the federal judiciary, and provide support to AFJ staff.  The senior fellow will be responsible for supervising research and developing strategy on AFJ policy initiatives, including judicial selection, access to justice and various AFJ campaigns.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop strategy, set research priorities, and review and edit research materials for all AFJ projects related to the courts, including the Judicial Selection and Access to Justice Projects.
  • Manage a staff of researchers.
  • Advise the Legal Director and AFJ President on all issues related to the courts.
  • Assist with preparation for radio and television appearances and help conduct briefings for reporters, academics, the Board of Directors, member organizations and other audiences.
  • Participate in meetings with Members of Congress and Hill staff.
  • Make timely reports to the President, the Board and the Development Department on AFJ accomplishments, program priorities and program descriptions for use in fundraising.  At the request of the Development Department, the Legal Director may be called upon to make presentations to donors and to assist in drafting both reports to donors and grant proposals. 
  • Some travel and long hours required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • JD with 5-8 years of legal experience.
  • Exceptional analytical, writing and speaking skills.
  • Experience in civil rights, labor, environmental, consumer and/or constitutional law preferred.  Hill or legal policy experience a plus.
  • Demonstrated interest in public interest and civil rights law.
  • Ability to work quickly, under pressure, and with shifting deadlines and priorities.
  • Ability to inspire, lead a team, and work collegially with fellow staff members, AFJ member organizations, and others.
  • Experience working with communities of various cultures. Foreign language skills, a plus.
  • Nonprofit experience a plus.
  • Must be available for some evening and weekend hours.

COMPENSATION:

While the salary for this position is self-funded, Alliance for Justice will provide excellent benefits.

Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.

All interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, transcript, and a list of references to alliance@afj.org or Alliance for Justice, Self-Funded Senior Legal Fellow Search, 11 Dupont Circle NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC, 20036.

To apply online, click the button below.