Description:

Staff attorneys conduct litigation and other forms of legal advocacy around existing A Progressive Non-Profit Legal Advocacy Organization cases – and develop new, creative litigation and advocacy – in our issue areas, which include: racial justice; discriminatory policing; mass incarceration; government surveillance; criminalization of dissent; gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights; and environmental justice. The Staff Attorney, Southern Regional Office, is expected to use our various legal and non-legal advocacy tools, including complex litigation before domestic and international fora, media, and public education to promote progressive social change in support of social justice movements in Jackson, Mississippi; in the Delta and other areas of Mississippi; and throughout the South.

In collaboration with the Associate Director of the Southern Regional Office and other staff of the Southern Regional Office and across the A Progressive Non-Profit Legal Advocacy Organization, the Staff Attorney will play a pivotal role in shaping our social justice litigation and advocacy presence in Jackson, in alignment with our overall strategic priorities. The Staff Attorney will assist in developing radical legal interventions that exemplify the A Progressive Non-Profit Legal Advocacy Organization' model of driving social change through strategic impact litigation, cutting-edge advocacy, and strategic communications through narrative shifting. Along with the Associate Director and other staff of the Southern Regional Office, this position will serve as a key institutional representative for Southern Justice Rising and proactively develop relationships with legal, policy, and advocacy groups; law firms and local counsel; and other key allies in Jackson, Mississippi; in the Delta and other areas of Mississippi; and throughout the South, to help Southern Justice Rising achieve the organization's mission and goals.

Responsibilities:

Conceive, develop, and manage visionary, politically-aligned complex litigation that advances our organizational mission, including developing case theory, conducting factual and legal research, identifying appropriate clients, pursuing appropriate and strategic litigation opportunities, and filing claims in domestic and/or international fora
Initiate and engage in all aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings, briefs, affidavits, and correspondence; taking and defending depositions; managing complex discovery; conducting negotiations with opposing counsel; appearing in court and examining witnesses; and negotiating, implementing, and monitoring settlement agreements
In collaboration with Advocacy staff, develop and implement advocacy strategies in support of our clients, cases, and/or projects in support of movement partners in Jackson, Mississippi; the Delta and other areas of Mississippi; and throughout the South
Engage in public outreach and education efforts, including drafting or reviewing of advocacy materials (such as reports, FAQs, and action alerts), participation in legislative efforts, and public speaking
Engage with community groups, cooperating attorneys, co-counsel, progressive lawyers, law students, legal groups, and other allies to build and deepen relationships with community partners on behalf of the organization, particularly in the South
Support all aspects of the organization's Communications department activity, including reviewing press materials, responding to press inquiries, appearing in various media interviews, timely opinion piece drafting, review, and editing
Work with and supervise legal workers, Justice Fellows, student interns, and volunteers, and, where appropriate, collaborate with pro bono or cooperating counsel assisting on our cases and projects
Assist Development department in managing individual and foundation relationships, including development and review of grant proposals, participation in donor meetings, fundraising and donor appreciation activities, and periodic out-of-state travel for development trips and activities
Maintain good standing in Mississippi or other Southern state bars as appropriate, including fulfilling requirements for continuing legal education
Participate in departmental and organizational planning and projects and organization-wide committees, as designated
Other related work as assigned by the Legal Director or Associate Director of the Southern Regional Office.

Qualifications:

5+ years of legal experience preferred, with at least some of that experience in complex federal litigation (including substantive and procedural aspects of civil rights law) and with commitment to using multi-dimensional, non-litigation approaches to social change
J.D. and admission to a state bar is required; admission to the Mississippi Bar or the attorney bar of another Southern state, or a willingness to sit for it, is preferred
Political alignment and belief in the mission of A Progressive Non-Profit Legal Advocacy Organization and approach in working with progressive social movements
Knowledge and skills in several areas of law, including but not limited to: substantive civil rights law, U.S. constitutional law, and economic and social rights
Background and experience in a range of substantive social justice issue areas, including racial justice, economic justice, gender justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, and immigration, or capacity to grow and master these areas in creative and accountable ways
Practical experience working with impacted communities and working with policy, advocacy, and grassroots campaigns and grassroots organizations
Ability to build trust and relationships with diverse communities and partners
Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
Experience representing clients through motion practice, at hearings, and on appeal
Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and effectively on a team – whether in a leadership or supporting role – and to contribute positively to an organizational culture that strives to embrace joy and love as a central ethic of its teamwork
Commitment to vigorous promotion of equity, inclusion, and demonstrated cultural competence with respect to issues including, but not limited to, race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, and economic status
Outstanding organizational and time management skills, including proven ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment
Interest and commitment to supervising and mentoring junior attorneys, fellows, legal workers, and interns
Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
Ability and willingness to travel throughout Mississippi and the South