Staff Attorney, Economic Justice Campaign

The Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) seeks a skilled Attorney with litigation or public policy experience for the Economic Justice (EJ) Campaign. The position is a full‑time role based in Jackson, Gulfport, or Indianola, reporting directly to the Director of Economic Justice. The Staff Attorney will provide high‑quality legal representation, policy advocacy, and strategic support for the Justice Court Pilot Project (JCPP) and other economic‑justice initiatives. The ideal candidate is a legal professional with a demonstrated commitment to equity, community empowerment, and systems change. Job Responsibilities Engage in litigation, policy advocacy, and/or administrative proceedings on behalf of clients in the Economic Justice Campaign. Prepare resources that promote policy changes in foreclosure prevention, predatory lending, and expungement law. Represent individuals in expungement, foreclosure, and Justice Court matters, including negotiation, motion practice, and trial preparation; advise clients on legal rights, risks, and strategy. Draft legal memoranda, reports, correspondence, and other materials in support of the JCPP and Economic Justice Campaign. Facilitate and coordinate convenings, trainings, and peer learning sessions for Justice Court personnel. Investigate claims involving MDHS to prepare and file administrative complaints related to food security and represent clients throughout the administrative process. Collaborate with Economic Justice Campaign members and cross-campaign colleagues to complete assigned tasks. Participate in assigned expungement and foreclosure clinics and seminars, including attending assigned meetings. Work with judges to create uniform processes/policies surrounding economic justice and stability. Attend monthly meetings and other campaign-related meetings, as assigned. Pursue and support legal strategies in collaboration with impacted communities and partner organizations. Contribute to grant reporting and maintain data for use in grant proposals, grant reports, and organizational records. Support community education and outreach, including identifying partners, conducting outreach, and delivering know‑your‑rights trainings and legal education in community settings. Monitor relevant legislative, regulatory, or judicial developments and provide legal analysis to inform MCJ’s advocacy and policy efforts. Collaborate with MCJ’s Communications Department to highlight client stories and legal victories that advance MCJ’s mission. Travel statewide as needed for speaking engagements and other work‑related meetings. Perform other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Economic Justice Campaign. Qualifications Juris Doctor from an ABA‑accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in Mississippi or admitted to the bar in another state with the ability to attain Mississippi licensure within six months of hire. Minimum of two years of practical litigation, clerkship, legal services, or other relevant experience is preferred. Experience collecting and maintaining impact data, client records, and files. Demonstrated oral advocacy, legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to produce clear, well‑organized work product. Strong interest in court systems, procedural reform, and access to justice issues. Experience working with and supporting low‑income communities and communities of color in a respectful and collaborative manner, preferred. Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities. Self‑directed and dependable, with excellent organizational, time‑management, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills. Collaborative spirit and willingness to support team goals and cross‑campaign work. Technological competency with Adobe, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis). Ability to travel statewide as needed, with a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and appropriate automobile insurance. Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the Mississippi Center for Justice and to advancing racial and economic justice. Salary and Benefits Salary is competitive and dependent on experience. MCJ offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, and vision insurance, short‑term disability, paid time off, a retirement savings program, paid family and medical leave, and other benefits. Equal Opportunity Employment The Mississippi Center for Justice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a workplace that is diverse in race, gender, economic status, age, geographic origin, sexual orientation, and other differences that enrich our organizational culture. #J-18808-Ljbffr