Description:

Description of Position:
The Legal Director/ Senior Attorney will play a crucial role in FJ’s work in advancing justice, equality, and dignity for A Nonprofit Organization across the nation. This position requires a seasoned legal professional with a passion for social justice, a deep understanding of labor and immigration law, and a commitment to empowering marginalized communities. The Legal Director/ Senior Attorney will supervise the Staff Attorney and other legal staff, engage in strategic advocacy efforts, and represent A Nonprofit Organization and their organizations in lawsuits challenging illegal actions by government and private employers. The Legal Director/ Senior Attorney will report directly to the VP of Strategy and Programs and also serve as a member of the management team. The Legal Director/ Senior Attorney will advise the CEO on internal legal matters, and also offer strategic legal guidance.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal advocacy and representation: Lead legal efforts to defend and advance the rights of A Nonprofit Organization through litigation, advocacy, and policy reform. Provide direct representation in partnership with farmworker legal services organizations to A Nonprofit Organization in labor disputes, immigration matters, wage theft cases, and other legal proceedings.
Strategic legal guidance: Develop and implement legal strategies to address systemic issues impacting A Nonprofit Organization , including labor exploitation, workplace safety violations, discrimination, and access to healthcare and housing through impact litigation. Advise the CEO and board of directors on the potential legal ramifications of proposed organizational policies and procedures. Protect the organization's interests in its interactions with external parties. Support general organizational activities.
Community outreach and education: Engage with A Nonprofit Organization communities to provide legal education, know-your-rights workshops, and direct legal assistance. Build partnerships with community-based organizations, labor unions, legal aid providers, law schools, private law firms, and other stakeholders to expand access to legal services and resources.
Policy analysis and advocacy: Analyze proposed policies and advocate for reforms to strengthen labor protections, improve working conditions, and expand access to justice for farmworkers.
Capacity building and training: Provide training and technical assistance to staff and community advocates on legal rights, procedures, and advocacy strategies.
Collaboration and coalition-building: Work collaboratively with legal services organizations, advocacy partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to coordinate efforts, share resources, and amplify the impact of farmworker advocacy initiatives.
Supervision and mentorship: Supervise the staff attorney and other legal staff, including legal interns, externs, and the Legal Fellow. Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to support team members' growth and success.
Reporting and documentation: Maintain accurate records of legal cases and advocacy activities. Prepare regular reports on legal research and services provided, outcomes achieved, and impact on farmworker communities.
Travel: Attend in-person meetings and conferences in DC and other locations around the country, as necessary on a periodic basis.

Education/Experience/Requirements:

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, and active bar membership in a U.S. state or territory.
Significant litigation experience (at least 5 years of demonstrable experience as an attorney), ideally in administrative law with a focus on labor law, immigration law, civil rights, or related areas.
a demonstrated commitment to social justice, human rights, and economic justice, particularly in the context of farmworker rights advocacy.
Strong knowledge of farmworker labor and employment law, including wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining rights, workplace safety standards, and worker protections.
Excellent communication, writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build consensus for policy change.
Experience working with marginalized communities, immigrant populations, and/or agricultural workers preferred.
Full professional proficiency in spoken and written English and Spanish.
Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a variety of internal and external partners.
Must be able to travel on a periodic basis and be local to the Washington DC Metro area.