Public Interest
Jackson, MS
Litigation - Appellate Attorney / Litigation - Civil Rights Attorney in Jackson, MS
Attorney
1-12 yrs required
No
Job Title: Staff Attorney, Democracy: Education & Youth, ALIT
Job Responsibilities:
The Staff Attorney for the Democracy: Education & Youth Advocacy and Litigation Impact Team (ALIT) is responsible for advancing education and youth justice in the southern United States. The attorney will utilize litigation, strategic legal advocacy, and community lawyering to achieve the organization's Impact Goals. The primary focus is on strengthening and defending public education as a cornerstone for a multi-racial, inclusive democracy. The attorney will work to ensure all young people have access to community-based public schools that are fully funded, inclusive, high quality, and free from segregation, discrimination, punishment, and criminalization. Key responsibilities include:
- Challenging federal, state, and local laws, policies, and practices that perpetuate discrimination against Black and Brown students, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ students.
- Opposing laws, policies, and practices that promote surveillance, punishment, criminalization, incarceration, and institutionalization of young people.
- Protecting public education systems that promote students' freedom to learn honest history and receive an inclusive curriculum.
- Developing new cases in consultation with staff and community partners.
- Developing and maintaining collaborations and partnerships with community organizations.
- Investigating, gathering information, and interviewing clients and witnesses.
- Collaborating with team members of other ALITs in the Legal Department and other departments to advance impact goals and campaigns.
- Researching and writing legal memos and briefs on complex legal and factual questions.
- Representing the organization in various forums, including courts, community groups, legislators, and state agencies.
- Responding to requests for legal assistance.
- Performing other duties as required or assigned.
Education and Experience Information:
Candidates for the Staff Attorney position must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- At least one (1) year of federal court civil litigation or comparable experience post law school.
- Membership in good standing of at least one state bar in the United States, preferably in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, or Washington, .
- . degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Salary Information:
The position is exempt, with a minimum starting salary of $73, annually. The salary is based on legal experience post law school, with the following breakdown:
- Staff Attorney I (1-3 years out of law school): $73,.
- Staff Attorney II (4-5 years out of law school): $84,.
- Senior Staff Attorney I (6 & 7 years out of law school): $97,.
- Senior Staff Attorney II (8 & 9 years out of law school): $112,.
- Senior Staff Attorney III (10 & 11 years out of law school): $129,.
- Senior Staff IV (12+ years out of law school): $148,.
Where and How You'll Work:
This role offers the following work designation options:
- Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the organization's offices or in the states in which the organization operates.
- Telework: Will work at an office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
This position will report to the Senior Supervising Attorney, Democracy: Education & Youth ALIT.
Other Specialist Considerations:
- The job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.
- This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.
Disclaimer:
The statements herein describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity:
The organization is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices. They consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.
Jul 04, 2025
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