Assistant General Counsel (Washington)

Assistant General Counsel

General Counsel – Baltimore, MD (or Washington, DC)

Travel: Moderate | Classification: Exempt

Position Summary

The NAACP Empowerment Programs, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to equal rights, seeks an Assistant General Counsel to join its growing Legal Department. The NAACP is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights organization, established to combat racial violence, injustice, and discrimination against Black Americans. This role focuses on litigation and legal advocacy in voting rights, criminal justice, economic justice, employment, fair housing, and equal educational opportunity.

Responsibilities

Litigation

• Develop affirmative civil rights litigation in federal and state courts on behalf of NAACP branches and state conferences, advising clients on strategy, risks, objectives, and handling all aspects of litigation from investigation through appeal.
• Co‑counsel with other civil rights organizations, law firms or other entities, ensuring strategies are aligned and consistent with the NAACP’s mission.
• Assist with the development and execution of special initiatives and civil rights advocacy campaigns, leveraging the organization’s public‑education, communications, and grassroots mobilization infrastructure.
• Research and draft written work products, including complaints, motions, briefs, memoranda, letters, and other materials.

Legal Advocacy

• Collaborate with partners across non‑profits, unions, and individuals to develop, litigate, and raise awareness of the NAACP’s civil rights mission.
• Monitor policy issues to identify opportunities for litigation or other legal advocacy.
• Support and partner with NAACP Units to assist with training and advocacy efforts.
• Prepare policy reports, white papers, public‑education materials, and briefing documents.

Nonprofit Governance and Corporate Matters

• Support governance for the NAACP and its affiliated entities.
• Draft and review board and committee resolutions; advise on bylaws and constitutional provisions.
• Provide legal support for internal initiatives involving organizational structure and change management.

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the General Counsel or designee.

Qualifications

Required

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing in a state bar with the ability to become admitted in Maryland or D.C.
• 2‑7 years of experience litigating civil rights cases, or on behalf of or against federal or state governments, in federal or state courts.
• Track record of excellence in legal research and drafting, including court filings such as complaints, dispositive motions, and appeals, completed timely, professionally, and independently.
• Ability to become proficient in new civil rights issue areas and develop creative, rigorous, analytical legal strategies.
• Interdisciplinary approach, partnering with other professionals across the NAACP network.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues, and partner organizations.
• Ability to handle a diverse docket and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice and civil rights.

Preferred

• Experience developing affirmative litigation, including researching theories, investigating allegations, and building factual records.
• Demonstrated interest in voting rights or election law.
• Willingness to engage in public speaking and communications to educate the public about the NAACP’s civil‑rights work.