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ACLU Staff Attorney

ACLU of Colorado Feb 14,2020 Dec 12,2019 Location USA Denver CO
This job is expired...

Public Interest

Attorney

Litigation

Litigation - Public Interest

Litigation - Civil Rights

Litigation - Whistleblower - CFTC

Min 5 yrs required

Profile

Staff Attorney

American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Colorado seeks dynamic, skilled, mission-driven applicants for a full-time Staff Attorney position. The successful applicant will join our staff of 26 in our Denver office. Under the direction of the Legal Director and other experienced attorneys, the Staff Attorney will participate in litigation and legal advocacy to further the ACLU’s mission of protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of all persons in Colorado.  

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is the nation’s foremost defender of constitutional rights and civil liberties. ACLU of Colorado, the Colorado affiliate of the ACLU, is the state’s guardian of freedom, working in the courts, in the legislature, and in communities across the state to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties for all. Founded in 1952, ACLU of Colorado is a strong, growing organization with thousands of members, supporters, and activists. For more information about the work of ACLU of Colorado and the civil liberties principles we uphold, please visit our website.

Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion

ACLU of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and promote an inclusive culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated, and other members of underrepresented and marginalized groups.

ACLU of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and record of arrest or conviction. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Responsibilities

  • Participate with ACLU legal staff and ACLU volunteer attorneys in ACLU litigation in state and federal court, including all aspects of discovery, motion practice, trials and evidentiary hearings, and drafting briefs in trial and appellate courts
  • Participate in all aspects of developing cutting edge legal cases, including selecting issues appropriate for litigation, conducting factual and legal research, interviewing potential clients and witnesses, and identifying and developing legal theories.
  • Present selected potential cases to the ACLU Legal Panel for evaluation
  • Draft legal memoranda, demand letters, and advocacy letters
  • Coordinate and work with ACLU volunteer cooperating attorneys
  • Supervise law student interns and volunteers
  • Review and investigate selected requests for legal assistance
  • Develop and maintain relationships with legal staff at National ACLU, its projects, and other ACLU affiliates
  • Provide support and work with ACLU staff in our Communications, Campaign, and Policy departments, in furtherance of our integrated advocacy model, which combines legal advocacy, public communications, and policy advocacy for maximum impact
  • Serve as ACLU spokesperson in public speaking events and with the press, as assigned

Qualifications

Qualifications

  • J.D. with at least five years of significant experience litigating complex civil cases. Attorneys with less experience but with exceptionally outstanding abilities and experience will be considered
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills, with both legal and nonlegal audiences
  • Demonstrated skills in legal research and legal analysis
  • Ability to develop and implement litigation strategies
  • Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple deadlines
  • Substantive knowledge of constitutional law and civil liberties
  • Strong, demonstrated commitment to public interest law and the mission of the ACLU of Colorado; knowledge of and experience with wide range of civil liberties and civil rights issues
  • Ability to work effectively and professionally with attorneys, clients, and with community organizations and coalitions
  • A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values individuals and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance, and the ability to work with diverse individuals within the organization and broader community
  • A confident and professional work style and the ability to work independently as well as cooperatively, exhibiting patience, good will, and good judgment
  • Proficiency with personal computers, using Windows and Microsoft Office software
  • Facility for administrative work including coordination with volunteer attorneys and supervision of support staff, law students, interns, and office volunteers
  • Applicants need not be members of the Colorado bar, but should be prepared to obtain admission as soon as possible
  • The position of Staff Attorney requires a willingness to work beyond the 9 to 5 hours of the normal work day, including evening and weekend meetings and/or events
  • Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable but not required

Compensation and Benefits

Salary and benefits

Salary is in the low seventies or higher depending on skills and experience, in accordance with parameters of the nationwide ACLU and the Denver area nonprofit sector.  Benefits include 401(k) with matching contribution and generous paid vacation and sick leave. ACLU pays 100% of the premiums for medical and dental insurance, as well as life and long-term disability insurance.

How to apply

To apply, send a resume, legal writing sample, and a cover letter that explains your interest in the ACLU (and your personal connection, if any, to our mission). You should also include three references, with email address and phone number, and identify their relationship to you. Submit applications by email with “ACLU staff attorney application” in the subject line.

Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. ACLU of Colorado will confirm the receipt of applications by email. No telephone calls please. Qualified applicants will be contacted directly for an interview. Any questions regarding whether the application has been received or is complete should be directed to ACLU of Colorado Legal Assistant Justine Gutierrez.

Company info

Company Profile

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is the nation’s foremost defender of constitutional rights and civil liberties. ACLU of Colorado, the Colorado affiliate of the ACLU, is the state’s guardian of freedom, working in the courts, in the legislature, and in communities across the state to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties for all. Founded in 1952, ACLU of Colorado is a strong, growing organization with thousands of members, supporters, and activists.