POSITION DESCRIPTION
The attorney will serve as lead or co-counsel in individual and class action impact litigation in local and federal courts. Cases the attorney will be responsible for are part of the Committee’s police misconduct/accountability and prisoners’ rights dockets, which is part of a larger initiative to re-imagine the criminal legal system and address the criminalization of communities of color. 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 excessive force by police and corrections officials, illegal stops and searches, suppression of the First Amendment rights of anti-racism demonstrators, unconstitutional conditions of confinement, compassionate release, parole, and other barriers to re-entry. 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:
- Experience in civil rights, racial equity, and criminal legal system reform 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;
- DC. Bar membership (in good standing), or the ability to waive into the DC Bar (Required).
Applicants with lived experience 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. Credit given for prior relevant experience. Generous leave and employer-funded benefits. View the full posting here.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email a letter detailing your interest and prior litigation experience, a resume, and brief writing sample to: wlcjobs@washlaw.org. Please place “[your name] – Reimagining Criminal Legal System Attorney” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled.
This position is a hybrid position with a minimum of three core days required to physically be in the office located in Washington, D.C. We will be participating in-person when it is necessary to provide the highest quality legal services and the most effective advocacy.
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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, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, matriculation, or political affiliation.