Staff Attorney

Overview

A nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants is seeking a Staff Attorney. This role involves impact litigation primarily in federal courts, mentoring legal fellows and interns, and supporting a multi-faceted approach including policy analysis, advocacy, strategic communications, and community empowerment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct impact litigation on various issues in collaboration with internal teams and external co-counsel.
• Identify and develop litigation cases in federal and state courts, including drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, conducting discovery, presenting oral arguments, and handling appeals.
• Manage a significant litigation caseload, typically in partnership with internal and external legal teams.
• Use plaintiff-driven, community-grounded impact litigation alongside policy research, advocacy, communications, and movement building to advance organizational goals.
• Provide legal analysis and technical assistance to colleagues, government officials, media, advocates, and attorneys nationwide to support administrative and legislative advocacy.
• Develop community education materials, co-create webinars, and deliver Know Your Rights presentations.
• Mentor and teach legal interns, fellows, and junior attorneys in case investigation, development, litigation, and other legal work.
• Collaborate across departments to support programmatic work.
• Represent the organization in coalitions and engage with media in coordination with communications staff.
• Report programmatic developments, administrative needs, and institutional concerns to leadership.
• Respond to requests for assistance, case development, and legal representation.
• Participate in policy advocacy, campaigns, and community outreach.
• Support internal protocols, foster a collaborative work environment, and contribute positively to team dynamics.
• May oversee temporary legal interns or law fellows as needed.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active membership in good standing with a State Bar Association.
• 2 to 6+ years of litigation experience.
• Demonstrated experience in investigating and developing impact litigation.
• Proficiency with office and virtual software tools such as MS Office, internet research, and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Commitment to advancing the rights of low-income immigrants and to human rights, racial, economic, and social justice.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including legal writing for litigation and advocacy.
• Ability to work proactively and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, including coalition settings.
• Sound judgment, high integrity, and respect for confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with civil litigation in federal court.
• Expertise in immigrants’ rights or other public interest impact litigation.
• Proficiency in non-English languages commonly spoken by Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, African, Caribbean, and Arab communities; fluency in multiple languages is desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $86,726 - $108,459, based on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, wellness stipends or reimbursements, phone and internet stipends, generous paid time off, a robust holiday schedule, employee assistance program, and additional voluntary insurance options.

Location & Travel

• Offices located in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, California.
• Up to 30% overnight interstate travel may be required, generally quarterly trips lasting 3-5 nights.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
• Frequent communication with others.
• Repetitive motions such as typing or phone use involving wrists, hands, and fingers.