Senior Staff Attorney

Overview

This role is a fully remote position with a legal team that meets in person one day per month. The organization welcomes applicants nationwide and will make a nationwide arrangement work for the right candidate. Preference may be given to candidates based on the East Coast or within commuting distance of Boston. Office space may be available at the organization’s office for those who are interested.

Reporting to the Legal Director, the Senior Staff Attorney will supervise multiple attorneys—formally and by leading litigation teams—while managing an active litigation caseload to advance the organization’s priorities, including precedent-setting cases against the federal government. The Senior Staff Attorney may also assist with ongoing policy work.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to legal department decision-making strategy, including identifying and assessing matters for impact litigation.
• Lead cases in state and federal court and other disputes.
• Lead litigation teams and support case development and strategy.
• Oversee and participate in legal work including legal research, pleadings and brief drafting, discovery and motion practice, hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Lead and support amicus curiae efforts, including brief writing and coordination.
• Supervise several staff attorneys and delegate work to more junior staff as appropriate (including policy work).
• Assist, as appropriate, on legislative or other policy matters that further organizational strategic priorities.
• Provide technical expertise and support to private litigators and organizations facing complex LGBTQ issues in state and federal courts and government agencies.
• Support a legal information and referral service by working up legal intakes and providing individual support or referrals where appropriate.
• Serve on internal working groups and committees as needed.

Requirements

• J.D. degree and admission to practice law in at least one state in the United States.
• Minimum of 10 years of litigation experience, including motion practice, trial practice and/or appeals, with proven ability to lead complex litigation.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal research.
• Proven ability to draft briefs, memos, and advocacy materials to a high standard.
• Ability to present arguments clearly in court, legislative, or public settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to working on LGBTQ+, HIV, or related social justice issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community, including racial justice, and familiarity with the current legal landscape affecting these communities.
• Knowledge of LGBTQ+ law and/or policy, anti-discrimination, health care, education, family, administrative, and/or constitutional law.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or managing attorneys or other legal staff, including responsibility for reviewing work product and supporting professional development (supervision may include responsibility exercised through leading cases or litigation teams).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including in client interactions and client development, as well as in litigation, lobbying or advocacy with government officials, and public persuasion.
• Commitment to collaboration and support, including thoughtful collegiality and constructive communication.
• Engagement in continuing legal education and demonstrated progression in responsibility or expertise over the course of a career.
• Experience collaborating on cross-functional projects with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Independence, along with the ability to work as part of an integrated team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Litigation experience that is readily transferable to the role, including deep experience in constitutional, civil rights, or administrative law litigation, even if not focused specifically on LGBTQ+ issues.

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive training and competitive benefits including health insurance and 401K.
• Salary ranges for attorneys are tied to years of experience since law school graduation:
  • 11–19 years of experience: $145,000 to $170,000
  • 20–29 years of experience: $170,000 to $200,000
• Opportunities for professional growth.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates may advance at any time; early applications are encouraged. The position will remain open until filled.