Senior Staff Attorney

Overview

This role is a senior leadership position within the Legal Department for a fully remote organization that advances LGBTQ+ and HIV-related civil rights through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education.

Reporting to the Legal Director, the Senior Staff Attorney will supervise multiple attorneys (formally and by leading litigation teams) while maintaining an active litigation docket, including precedent-setting matters against the federal government. The role may also include assistance on ongoing policy work.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the Legal Department’s decision-making strategy by identifying and assessing matters for impact litigation.
• Lead cases in state and federal court and other disputes.
• Lead litigation teams, including involvement in case and client development; 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-related work.
• Assist, as appropriate, on legislative and other policy matters aligned with organizational priorities.
• Provide technical expertise and support to private litigators and organizations facing complex LGBTQ+ issues in state and federal courts and before government agencies.
• Support GLBTQ-focused legal information and referral services by working up legal intakes and providing individual support or legal 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, and proven ability to lead complex litigation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex litigation, including transferable experience in constitutional, civil rights, or administrative law litigation (even if not focused specifically on LGBTQ+ issues).
• 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.
• Ability to conduct complex legal research; draft briefs, memos, and advocacy materials to a high standard; and present arguments clearly in court, legislative, or public settings.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or managing attorneys or other legal staff, including responsibility for reviewing work product and supporting professional development (this experience may include supervision exercised through leading cases or litigation teams).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including client interactions and client development; litigation, lobbying/advocacy with government officials; and public persuasion.
• Commitment to collaboration and support, including thoughtful collegiality and approach to conversations.
• Ongoing continuing legal education and a demonstrated progression in responsibility or expertise over the course of a career.
• Experience collaborating on cross-functional projects with diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Independence as well as ability to work as part of an integrated team.

Preferred Qualifications

The organization encourages applications from candidates whose litigation experience is readily transferable, 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, plus opportunities for professional growth.
• Salary range depends on 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

Location & Work Arrangement

• Fully remote position with the legal team operating virtually.
• In-person gathering: one day per month.
• Applicants may be nationwide; preference may be given to candidates based on the East Coast or within commuting distance of Boston.
• Office space at the organization’s office is available for those who want it.

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.