Overview
A survivor-led nonprofit organization dedicated to ending forced and child marriage in the United States is seeking a Legal Director to establish and lead a new legal department. This role involves providing crucial, free legal representation to survivors, primarily women, girls, and LGBTQ individuals, helping them avoid, escape, and rebuild after forced and child marriage.
Responsibilities
- Represent New Jersey-based survivors in family court proceedings, immigration proceedings, and related civil legal matters (approximately 75% of time).
- Coordinate a volunteer legal team and arrange pro bono legal representation for clients across the U.S. (approximately 20% of time).
- Manage a paralegal.
- Develop protocols and best practices for the emerging legal department.
Requirements
- Admission to the New Jersey State Bar.
- At least four years of experience in family law.
- Compassionate, patient, and nonjudgmental approach.
- Detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of working independently.
- Strong commitment to the mission of ending forced and child marriage.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in immigration law.
- Fluency in Arabic, Hindi, and/or Urdu.
- Admission to the New York State Bar.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $112,000 annually.
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
- Flexible Spending Account for health and commuter expenses.
- Remote work with in-person attendance required only for court appearances, some client meetings, monthly art therapy sessions, and occasional events.
- Generous paid time off including parental leave.
- Workday ends at 5:00 p.m. (earlier on Fridays), except in emergencies.
- Monthly art therapy sessions.
- United Nations grounds pass.
Location
Remote position based in New Jersey, with in-person work limited to court appearances, client meetings, team art therapy sessions, and occasional events.
Additional Information
The organization provides comprehensive, free legal and social services to individuals resisting or escaping forced marriage in the U.S. It also leads national efforts to promote social, policy, and legal changes to end forced and child marriage.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application and resume through the organization's application portal. Selected candidates will be contacted for a multi-step interview process that typically takes a few weeks.
Application Tips
- Clearly explain why you are a strong fit for the role.
- Address any resume gaps or potential questions in your application.
- Familiarize yourself with the organization's mission and work.
- Sending a thank-you note after interviews is encouraged and appreciated.