ABOUT THE WASHINGTON LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND URBAN AFFAIRS

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs works to create legal, economic, and social equity through litigation, client and public education, and public policy advocacy with a primary focus on racial justice. For the last 50 years, the Committee has been on the cutting edge of civil rights advocacy in the region bringing precedent-setting litigation to address discrimination. Our work focuses on injustices in housing, employment, the criminal legal system, education, public accommodations, and the civil rights of immigrants. We partner with individuals and communities facing discrimination and with the legal community to achieve justice. The Committee’s staff is unionized with the National Organization of Legal Service Workers Local #2320, UAW. For more information on the Washington Lawyers’ Committee, please go to www.washlaw.org.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The attorney will work on matters that reduce residential segregation, address racial and other forms of housing discrimination, further housing choice, protect tenants’ right to organize, and address dangerous housing conditions.  The attorney will additionally be expected to engage in policy efforts to further these goals and engage in community-building efforts to identify and address the needs of low-income residents of color in the Washington, DC metro area.

The attorney will serve as lead or co-counsel in individual and class action impact litigation in state and federal courts. The person selected will be expected to handle all aspects of litigation, including investigation and case development, discovery, motions practice, and trial as part of a team comprised of Committee staff and private bar co-counsel. The Committee’s current docket includes matters addressing failures to maintain and repair properties, housing discrimination (with respect to various protected classes), and removal of other barriers to housing. The person selected will work closely with organizers in impacted communities and advocacy groups to identify the issues of most concern to the communities the Committee serves.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:

  • Experience in civil rights, racial equity, or housing litigation;
  • Experience working with community-based organizations and organizers;
  • Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations;
  • Able to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture that encourages and celebrates differences;
  • Knowledge of the District of Columbia and its neighborhoods is preferred but not required; and
  • DC. Bar membership (in good standing), or the ability to waive into the DC Bar (Required).

Applicants with lived experiences in communities historically under-resourced and marginalized due to race, class, gender, disability, etc. are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION

Based upon Washington Lawyers’ Committee pay scale, attached. Credit is given for prior relevant experience. Generous leave and employer-funded benefits.

Attorneys are classified as Associate Counsel, Counsel, and Senior Counsel, depending on the level and nature of experience and skills, in one or more substantive areas of the Committee’s work. The work of Counsel is performed under the supervision of the assigned Supervising Counsel, Deputy Legal Director, Legal Director, or Executive Director.

Attached is the job posting that includes the full description and salary scale. See here.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email a letter detailing your interest, a resume, and a brief writing sample to:
wlcjobs@washlaw.org. Please place “[your name] – Attorney in Housing Practice in the
subject line.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the position will remain
open until filled. The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is
an equal- opportunity employer. Diversity is an essential component of the Committee, and
we encourage all qualified persons to apply. Applicants are accorded an equal opportunity for
selection without regard to actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry,
disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity or
expression.

This position is a hybrid position with three core days required to physically be in the
office located in Washington, D.C., and up to two days of telework. We will be participating
in person when it is necessary to provide the highest quality legal services to our clients as
well as the most effective advocacy.

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