The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Job Title: Counsel/Senior Counsel - Economic Justice Project
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role:
We are on the lookout for a passionate and skilled attorney to join our team as Counsel/Senior Counsel, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) matters. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and combating discrimination through legal and advocacy-based strategies. Your work will encompass litigation, policy advocacy, and the development of strategies to advance racial justice and economic opportunity.

Through a holistic lens, the Economic Justice Project engages in impact litigation and legal advocacy to ensure that communities of color can access opportunities and meaningfully engage in the economy to lead dignified lives free from discrimination. Their work includes:

Eliminating barriers to equal opportunity for underrepresented employees, including individuals with criminal histories.
Ensuring equal pay for women, including women of color.
Advocating for administrative and legislative policies that protect communities of color, including in the areas of immigration, reproductive access and consumer protection.
Tackling discrimination in public accommodations.

What You’ll be Doing:

Conduct legal research, analysis, and create educational and advocacy resources addressing DEI issues.
Engage in litigation related to DEI matters, advocating for equity and inclusion in federal and state courts.
Provide legal support to entities, including nonprofits and grassroots community organizations, on DEI matters related to contracting, grantmaking, and employment.
Articulate and represent the Lawyers’ Committee’s positions on DEI issues through public speaking, op-eds, amicus briefs, and coalition work.
Litigate in federal and state courts throughout the country, including appellate courts.
Collaborate with regional partners, government agencies, and co-counsel to investigate and evaluate new cases.
Draft amicus briefs in alignment with the Lawyers’ Committee’s mission.
Engage in public education and public policy efforts supporting the EJP’s work.
Research and compile data to support advocacy efforts; draft written materials, including policy reports, testimony, briefing papers, toolkits, and educational resources.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with key partners and grassroots community organizations.
Represent the Lawyers’ Committee in coalition efforts, media engagements, and meetings with government officials.
Depending on experience level, provide guidance to less experienced attorneys and interns.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:

Graduation from an accredited law school.
Minimum of 5 years of legal experience (9 years for Senior Counsel).
Deep dedication to advancing civil rights and racial justice.
Experience working on civil rights issues, preferably related to employment discrimination, DEI, and/or contracting.
Experience litigating complex civil cases, including writing legal memoranda and briefs, discovery, and deposition work.
Ideal candidate will have experience conducting evidentiary hearings, trials, and oral arguments.
Proficiency in managing and maintaining relationships with clients and leading teams of people in litigation, legal advocacy, and/or investigations.
Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including creative approaches to issues.
Experience working with or for communities of color.
Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to produce high-quality work under pressure of multiple deadlines.
Ability to build trust and credibility with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, receptive to direction and guidance.
Ability to be flexible and responsive.
Motivated and willing to take initiative to handle additional responsibilities as needed.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Westlaw, and internet research tools.
Admitted to the DC Bar; pending admission to the DC Bar; or ability to waive into the DC Bar.
Willingness and ability to travel as required.

Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!
Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived 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.

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

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Counsel/ Senior Counsel- Economic Justice Project