Managing Attorney
The Social Justice Legal Foundation is hiring a Managing Attorney to oversee and develop its portfolio of high-impact cases throughout California and nationwide. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Managing Attorney will serve as lead counsel with a docket of active litigation, develop the Foundation’s litigation issue areas, cultivate and maintain relationships with movement organizers, and assist with the operations of a start-up litigation nonprofit. The ideal candidate will be a creative, driven litigator with experience managing teams, a desire to train the next generation of civil rights advocates, and a passion for social justice and civil rights issues. WHO WE ARE Founded in 2021, The Social Justice Legal Foundation (https://www.socialjusticelaw.org/) is a start-up impact litigation nonprofit dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice. We do this in two ways: by bringing ambitious, systemic impact cases designed for trial, and by training the next generation of civil-rights lawyers through our two-year postgraduate fellowships. We leverage the resources and skills of the trial lawyers at our founding law firm and work to build and maintain relationships with coalitions, movement partners, and academics to identify cases that will advance the law and serve our communities. The Foundation’s active cases tackle police practices, conditions of confinement, immigrants’ rights, economic justice, and freedom of expression. MANAGING ATTORNEY POSITION DESCRIPTION The Foundation seeks an experienced litigator and manager with at least eight years of experience litigating cases at all stages. The Managing Attorney will shape our docket and supervise our cases, as well as train and develop our fellows. Interested applicants should be capable litigators who lead with intellectual curiosity and who are eager for the unique opportunities and challenges of shaping culture at a small start-up nonprofit, identifying and developing affirmative cases with social impact, and mentoring fellows as they learn to litigate. This position is in a hybrid workspace, with our office located in Los Angeles, California. Some travel may be required. Specific duties include:
- Along with the Executive Director, managing the Foundation’s litigation in federal and state court, including by developing case strategy and leading complex cases through trial,
- Assisting in recruiting legal fellows and developing the fellowship program,
- Encouraging and coordinating the professional development of our small team,
- Supervising and providing feedback on the work of our legal fellows,
- Investigating and developing potential cases,
- Contributing to communications and press materials,
- Cultivating relationships with coalition partners, grassroots organizations, community leaders and impacted people to advance and create opportunities for the Foundation's litigation, and
- Assisting with operations, intake, and organizational development.
REQUIREMENTS
- Exceptional legal writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
- A proven record of handling complex litigation matters to successful resolution
- Experience leading teams
- A commitment to public service or social justice issues
- Member in Good Standing of the California State Bar or, alternatively, of another state bar and willing to take the February 2024 California bar exam
- Desire to identify issues ripe for litigation, investigate, and develop impact cases
- Residence within commuting distance of The Social Justice Legal Foundation’s office in downtown Los Angeles
WHAT WE OFFER
- Salary ranging from $125,000–150,000 based on experience
- Hybrid work schedule that allows for in-person collaboration and remote flexibility
- Company-provided health insurance, life insurance, and nearly-full coverage of dental and vision insurance
- A 403(b) plan with employer contribution irrespective of employee contribution
- Generous paid vacation, paid parental leave, and paid sick leave
- Commuter or parking reimbursement in downtown Los Angeles
- The opportunity to shape a nimble litigation start-up dedicated to public good
INTERESTED? Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and two references to Sara Haji, Executive Director, at shaji@socialjusticelaw.org. The Social Justice Legal Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
