JOB TITLE: Litigation Staff Attorney DEPARTMENT: Refugee Representation LOCATION: New York, NY or Washington, D.C. REPORTS TO: Director of Legal Strategy, Refugee Programs JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Union, Exempt PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Litigation Staff Attorney will work to advance Human Rights First’s objectives by developing and coordinating the organization’s litigation efforts regarding immigration and asylum issues and liaise with the organization’s Refugee Protection team. This position requires going to the office and meeting in person with others on occasion, for periodic client meetings and court appearances. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop, conduct, and co-counsel Human Rights First’s strategic impact litigation docket and initiatives on immigration and asylum issues, including:
- Analyze legal developments and identify strategic opportunities for Human Rights First to advance current and future impact litigation in support of the organization’s objectives
- Draft litigation documents, including memos, pleadings and briefs, in support of Human Rights First’s litigation, as well as legal analysis memos and advocacy papers, as needed
- Coordinate with co-counsel, including pro bono attorneys with whom we engage in class action or other impact litigation
- Coordinate with legal practitioners and community groups to identify plaintiffs and legal issues ripe for litigation and monitor compliance with court orders in our impact litigation cases
- Conduct legal, factual, and policy research in support of Human Rights First’s litigation
- Help keep the organization’s staff, leadership, and board of directors’ Litigation Committee apprised of litigation developments
- Liaise with the communications, advocacy, and representation teams to ensure that strategies are coordinated to maximize impact
- Represent Human Rights First at status conferences and hearings in U.S. federal courts, in meetings with co-counsel, and with external stakeholders.
- Develop, draft, and help coordinate Human Rights First’s involvement in impact litigation on immigration and asylum matters, including amicus briefs to strategically advance Human Rights First’s objectives
- Support Human Rights First’s fundraising efforts related to our litigation work, including:
- Drafting grant proposals and reports
- Liaising with funders
- Assist with other litigation-related duties as needed
- Supervise interns or volunteers assisting with Human Rights First’s litigation work
- Work on special projects as needed, including but not limited to Title 42, Afghanistan- related advocacy and representation, and other. This work may be assigned by the advocacy team.
- Directly represent refugees and asylum seekers on their cases when necessary.
- Promote Human Rights First’s mission by participating in local community, promotional, and other professional networking events to increase the organization’s profile in the community; and
- Other duties as requested based on the team and/or organization’s need.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE: - A U.S. law degree (J.D) and active bar membership in any state or the District of Columbia
- Minimum of three years of substantive litigation experience
- Strong legal research and writing skills, including ability to monitor and analyze relevant legal developments
- Solid written and oral advocacy skills and a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical legal material for a variety of audiences
- Strong interviewing skills; ability to communicate patiently, respectfully and empathically with individuals from a variety of backgrounds
- Demonstrated capacity to take initiative, pay attention to detail, finish assignments under pressure, and work collegially with others
- Ability to work successfully across organization lines and with a diverse team of colleagues
- Ability to handle litigation in a fast-paced and demanding environment
- Ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure and meet deadlines, and to identify and analyze legal issues;
- Knowledge of U.S. immigration law and policy
- The ability to occasionally commute in-person to our NY or DC office for in-person meetings.
Interested candidates should apply at https://www.humanrightsfirst.org/careers. Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective. |
