Senior Litigation Counsel

Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation ("NHLC") is a nonprofit, public interest law firm, and the only law firm in the world dedicated to Native Hawaiian rights. NHLC's mission is to protect and advance Native Hawaiian identity and culture with legal and other forms of advocacy.

Position Description

Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation ("NHLC") is a nonprofit, public interest law firm, and the only law firm in the world dedicated to Native Hawaiian rights. NHLC's mission is to protect and advance Native Hawaiian identity and culture with legal and other forms of advocacy.

NHLC is hiring a Senior Litigation Counsel to join NHLC's impact litigation team. NHLC's Impact Litigation section advocates for government rules, policies, practices, and laws that advance Native Hawaiian rights. These cases have far reaching impact for the Native Hawaiian community, are typically complex, and frequently involve appellate practice. NHLC has argued numerous appellate cases in Hawaiʻi State Courts and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, resulting in historic decisions that have helped to shape and define the contours of Native Hawaiian law.

Representative cases include natural resource protection through the assertion of water rights and environmental protection actions, public access rights, the protection of historic and cultural properties including burial sites, government transparency and accountability, and suits brought to preserve and protect traditional and customary practices. NHLC's impact litigators have extensive trial, evidentiary hearing, and motions-practice experience.

Status

Exempt. Full-time.

Location

Hawaiʻi

General Responsibilities

The Senior Litigation Counsel provides legal services, advice, guidance and assistance on a wide variety of legal issues to the Litigation Director and the organization.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Develop and manage assigned cases, including:
• case assessment, including required client interviews, preliminary document review, and due diligence,
• formulation of litigation strategy,
• completion of all litigation activities, including oversight of others that may be working on the case,
• lead the marshaling of relevant facts and evidence, including discovery, the identification and preparation of witnesses, and the taking and defense of depositions,
• research, draft, edit, and finalize all written advocacy,
• preparation for and lead at trials and at oral argument on appeal,
• effectively lead litigation settlement discussions on the client's behalf, as appropriate, and
• in all other ways exercising primary responsibility for representation of clients in litigation.
• Develop positive, effective, and efficient client relationships and engagements.
• Frequent and regular communication with NHLC colleagues, including the Director of Litigation, Executive Director, and the Board as needed.
• Counsel NHLC clients and NHLC leadership on substantive matters related to NHLC's practice areas. Demonstrate thought leadership on relevant legal issues, including litigation trends and policy.
• In coordination with the Litigation Director and other colleagues at NHLC, engage in communities important to NHLC, e.g., the Native Hawaiian community, the community of Native Hawaiian Organizations, the national community of indigenous rights lawyers, etc., through written articles, speaking engagements, and participation at community and industry events. Represent NHLC and demonstrate thought leadership on Native Hawaiian rights and legal issues within these communities.
• Work efficiently to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with a demanding case workload, while prioritizing workflow to adjust for fluctuations.
• Effectively build relationships and collaborate with NHLC partners, including co-counsel at other non‑profit legal service providersor pro bono counsel, to advance NHLC projects and represent NHLC clients.
• Performs confidential legal tasks, duties, activities and special projects as assigned by the Litigation Director.