Description:

Job Summary:
A National, Multi-City Organization is seeking a passionate, engaged, and energetic individual to enable us to lead our litigation public policy work. Litigation advocacy is an integral and fast-growing element of Tahirih's mission and national leadership, as we work to pass legislation, develop regulations, transform policies, and set precedent so that systemic change will ensure the long-term safety and status of immigrant survivors of violence. All our advocacy initiatives are inspired and informed by the real-life needs of our clients, and through extensive consultation with other service-providers and advocates around the country.

The Litigation Counsel will contribute to litigation advocacy efforts in support of Tahirih's dynamic, growing, and innovative policy priorities. The Litigation Counsel must be a flexible self-starter who is capable of managing multiple urgent priorities simultaneously across Tahirih's immigration policy work. The Litigation Counsel will identify and prioritize potential federal litigation to further Tahirih's goals, coordinate and manage litigation on Tahirih's behalf with pro bono law firms, assist immigration staff attorneys with appeals in federal court, advise and assist in amicus efforts and federal litigation related to individual Tahirih clients, and support or lead in class action litigation focused on defending critical forms of relief for immigrant survivors.

This is a two-year, full-time position tied to a grant.

Essential Functions:
Public Policy:

Identify and implement impact litigation in federal courts affecting Tahirih clients' interests and rights.
In collaboration with litigation counsel and the public policy team, identify and prioritize potential federal litigation to further Tahirih's goals.
Develop and use networks with other organizations focused on immigration and/or gender-based violence to identify issues relating to potential litigation.
Work with litigation counsel and public policy team to strategize and execute litigation approach to priority matters.
Coordinate, manage, and co-counsel with pro bono law firms handling our direct Tahirih-led impact litigation cases, with assistance from litigation counsel
Advise and assist in federal litigation related to individual Tahirih clients
Lead or support amicus efforts to support litigation efforts of partner organizations
In collaboration with the litigation counsel, senior immigration policy counsel, and director of public policy, draft and submit comments in response to Federal Register Notice periods on potential rules and regulation changes impacting Tahirih's clients
In collaboration with senior immigration policy counsel, litigation counsel, and director of public policy, provide program staff with timely updates on federal policy changes and case law implications and solicit feedback on trends and challenges facing Tahirih clients.

Outreach/Education:

Occasionally provide internal and external trainings and technical assistance on immigration litigation matters and strategy
Serve as issue area expert spokesperson for Tahirih with the media

Limited Direct Services Support:

When capacity and expertise allow, provide limited and occasional direct legal representation to Tahirih service seekers.
This Job Description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities that are required of the employee. The precise duties and responsibilities of the job may change over time.

Requirements:
Education:

JD or equivalent
Current bar membership in good standing in any state in the US or District of Columbia or US territory

Experience:

Self-starter and team player able to carry out own work and provide litigation leadership to advance Tahirih's policy goals on behalf of our clients
Flexible and nimble in a fast-paced policy environment with shifting priorities
Extensive familiarity with or knowledge of federal court practice, procedure, and strategy, preferably related to immigration, human trafficking, or related issue area
Experience with appellate practice (judicial and/or administrative)
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Excellent legal research and writing skills, with great attention to detail
Excellent oral communication and presentation skills
Ability to serve as a compelling ambassador for the organization
Skilled legal mentor and ability to provide clear and expert legal technical assistance across disciplines
Collaborative style and ability to work well in large and small teams
Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, trauma-informed lawyering, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, cultural humility, and social justice

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with media relations
Experience working with survivors of violence and trauma and those from diverse cultural backgrounds
Experience presenting to legal and non-legal audiences