Staff Attorney - Criminal Justice Program

Overview

This full-time, exempt Staff Attorney position supports the mission to protect animals through the legal system by providing legal assistance to prosecutors and law enforcement on animal cruelty cases. Reporting to the Managing Attorney, the role involves managing assigned cases and projects, conducting legal research, and supporting the prosecution of animal crimes.

This is a remote position based in the U.S. and is part of a bargaining unit under the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU).

Responsibilities

• Assist prosecutors and courtroom advocates with animal cruelty cases at the trial level, including legal and factual analysis, drafting memoranda, pleadings, motions, and other trial documents.
• Provide support to law enforcement, animal control officers, and veterinarians during animal cruelty investigations by reviewing affidavits, warrants, expert testimony, and veterinary reports.
• Evaluate potential animal cruelty charges in cases without filed criminal charges and communicate findings to relevant law enforcement and prosecutors.
• Communicate with complainants and advocates to gather facts and identify cases warranting further investigation.
• Oversee drafting, editing, and submission of amicus curiae briefs.
• Assist in reviewing, developing, and advancing new legislation related to animal crimes at state and federal levels.
• Coordinate with Litigation and Legislative Affairs teams on cases and legislative matters involving criminal components.
• Collaborate with Communications and other departments to address criminal legal issues and field media requests.
• Develop and conduct legal trainings on animal crimes for various audiences including criminal justice practitioners, law enforcement, judges, and law students.
• Prepare and deliver presentations for professional conferences and fundraising events.
• Provide in-house expertise on criminal justice program cases, animal cruelty law, criminal procedures, and legal strategy.
• Participate in other criminal justice projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree with excellent academic performance.
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient legal research and writing abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Computer literacy.
• Positive attitude and ability to work cooperatively in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to the mission of protecting animals through the legal system.
• Ability to travel periodically for staff meetings and retreats (estimated 1-3 trips annually).

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting annual salary:
  • $95,100 for most geographic locations.
  • $100,105 for candidates within 25 miles of Washington D.C., Cotati, CA, and Los Angeles.
  • $105,110 for candidates within 25 miles of New York City and San Francisco.
• Salary is non-negotiable and determined by role and geographic factors.
• Comprehensive health, dental, life, and vision insurance fully paid by employer.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA) options.
• 192 hours of paid time off.
• 19 paid holidays.
• One-month paid sabbatical after 5 years of continuous employment.
• 16 weeks paid parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with up to 5% employer match after one year.
• Alternative work schedules available at manager’s discretion.
• One-time remote work allowance of $750.
• Annual professional development reimbursement up to $1,000.

Location

• Remote position based in the United States.
• Employment eligibility verification required in compliance with federal law.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, sex or gender (including pregnancy and related conditions), gender identity or expression, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, age, or other protected categories in compliance with applicable laws.

Additional Information

• Offices and events are free of animal products and byproducts.
• Application deadline: July 27, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early application is encouraged as decisions may be made before the deadline.