Description:
What You'll Be Doing:An Animal Law Advocacy Organization's Litigation Program accomplishes An Animal Law Advocacy Organization's mission by filing strategic high-impact lawsuits against government agencies, individuals, and industries that exploit animals, including factory farms, puppy mills, and roadside zoos that seek to expand the protections for animals under the law.
Staff Attorneys in An Animal Law Advocacy Organization's Litigation Program are responsible for the day-to-day management of their assigned cases and projects, including ensuring the completion of all necessary research, filings, and other aspects of litigation. Staff Attorneys are also responsible for assisting the Litigation Program in developing new cases..
You will be responsible for:
- Act as lead counsel, and be responsible for all research, filings, and other aspects of litigation, for all assigned cases and projects.
- Research and develop novel legal theories and strategies, as well as fact patterns, for new cases.
- Manage Law Clerks and Litigation Fellows as assigned.
- Manage drafting, editing, and submission of amicus curiae briefs on behalf of An Animal Law Advocacy Organization.
- Work with Communications and other departments to answer questions on civil legal issues and procedures, and to propose, draft, proof, and/or edit content on cases and legal developments.
- Coordinate, as needed, with other programs, including with Criminal Justice Program on cases that have, or could have, both civil and criminal components, Legislative Affairs Program, Animal Law Program, and Pro Bono Programs.
- Manage pro bono and local counsel on cases with external counsel.
- Prepare and deliver presentations for professional conferences, fundraising events, etc. when needed.
- Provide in-house expertise for staff on questions concerning Litigation Program cases, animal law civil cases in general and civil procedures and legal strategy.
- Perform other duties as assigned to advance the Litigation Program and An Animal Law Advocacy Organization's strategic objectives and mission.
Requirements:
What skills & experience you'll bring to us
- Understand and be committed to the vision, mission, and core values of An Animal Law Advocacy Organization.
- Staff Attorneys should have at least two years of experience successfully developing and litigating (as measured by both direct and indirect benefits) significant cases or projects, ideally as part of an organization engaged in strategic impact animal protection litigation or similar strategic impact litigation.
- Must have a Juris Doctor degree, excelled in law school, and be admitted to practice law in their state of residence.
- Must have excellent organizational and prioritization skills and be able to meet deadlines.
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively, including with members, supporters, co-workers, and other counsel.
- Must have a positive attitude and be able to work cooperatively with others and function well in a team-oriented work environment.
- Must travel as needed to fulfill litigation obligations, or for professional conferences, meetings, or other events as required.
