Staff Attorney I-II Immigrant Justice Project, Southern Poverty Law Center

Staff Attorney

The Staff Attorney will litigate individual and class action civil rights cases in federal courts at the trial and appellate levels. They may develop and lead legislative work and public advocacy campaigns. The focus of the position may change as warranted by changes in the law, the circumstances facing immigrants, or the needs of the organization. This role has the following work designation options:

There are two options for work. Local Remote: Will work remotely, but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates. Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, coordinate, and lead advocacy and litigation opportunities under supervision of the Deputy Legal Director, Senior Supervising Attorney or Senior Staff Attorneys;
• Analyze legal developments and provide technical assistance to allies, immigrant communities, and partner organizations;
• Foster relationships with local NGOs and immigrant communities;
• Collaborate with the Deputy Legal Director and Policy Counsel and to identify and support the advancement of state and local policy priorities and testify to legislative bodies upon request;
• Collaborate with the Deputy Legal Director and the Communications Department to develop communication strategies around cases and campaigns; serve as spokesperson upon request;
• Communicate regularly with SPLC staff across the southern region about cases, campaigns, and strategies;
• Represent SPLC in various forms, including before community groups, legislatures, and state agencies, and the press; and
• Other duties as may be assigned to meet SPLC needs.

Qualifications:

• J.D. degree;
• At least one (1) year of federal court civil litigation or comparable experience;
• Membership in good standing with a bar at time of application, and willingness to sit for the next Bar Exam after relocation to a state where SPLC has an office (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and includes Washington, D.C.) if the attorney cannot waive. Must be barred in the State where the position is located. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and have fun in a high-energy, fast-paced work environment;
• Excellent and consistent attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines;
• Excellent research and writing skills;
• Aptitude for and willingness to be a team player;
• Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion; and
• Commitment to fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

Apply online at the careers page.