Litigation - Civil Rights Attorney in Boston, MA

Public Interest

Boston, MA

Litigation - Civil Rights Attorney in Boston, MA

Attorney

No

Job Title: Counsel - Criminal Justice Project

Job Responsibilities:
The Counsel position within the Criminal Justice Project of the organization entails a range of responsibilities centered on legal advocacy to promote racial justice. The Counsel will work closely with the private bar to investigate and bring challenges that aim to promote equality throughout the criminal justice system. This includes addressing violations of the right to counsel, denial of due process, unconstitutional detention of indigent persons, and police misconduct. Additionally, the Counsel will engage in litigation and legal advocacy against white supremacist groups and actors.

The Counsel will participate in the following activities:
- Coordinate with teams consisting of organization staff, pro bono counsel, investigators, and interns in complex litigation, legal research projects, and investigations.
- Litigate in federal and/or state courts, including appellate courts, by conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing legal memoranda and briefs, engaging in written discovery, taking and defending depositions, and conducting evidentiary hearings, trials, and oral arguments.
- Develop new cases through fact investigation and legal research, including examining documentary evidence and interviewing potential clients and witnesses.
- Review and analyze proposed legislation, regulations, policies, and related documents.
- Work with colleagues across relevant internal projects to identify and pursue shared advocacy objectives.
- Represent the organization’s positions on criminal justice, white supremacy, and hate crimes through public speaking, op-eds, amicus briefs, and coalition work.
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and an advocacy-driven approach to the work.

Education and Experience Information:
Candidates for the Counsel position are expected to have a deep commitment to the advancement of civil rights and criminal justice reform. This can be demonstrated through:
- Experience as a civil rights attorney, public defender, public interest attorney, or prosecutor.
- Academic research in civil rights, criminal justice, or white supremacy.
- Volunteer work related to civil rights, criminal justice, or ending white supremacist movements.

Candidates should also have:
- Complex civil or criminal litigation experience, including composing legal memoranda, trial or appellate court briefs, engaging in discovery, and conducting trials and oral arguments.
- Experience coordinating with litigation teams, including co-counsel, investigators, and/or interns.
- Experience working with or for communities of color.
- Superior research, writing, and communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to produce high-quality work under pressure.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to build trust and credibility with clients, colleagues, and partners.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Westlaw, and internet research tools; knowledge of Bluebook forms for legal citations.
- Admission to the DC Bar, pending admission, or the ability to waive into the DC Bar.
- Willingness and ability to travel.

Salary Information:
The expected salary range for the Counsel position is between $76,000 and $113,000. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union, and employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Benefits:
The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability, and an employer-paid monthly cell phone stipend.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages candidates of color and those from underrepresented communities to apply. The organization does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.