Job Opening at Southern Poverty Law Center: Senior Staff Attorney - Immigrant Justice Project

[bapet...@gmail.com]

Senior Staff Attorney - Immigrant Justice Project

at Southern Poverty Law Center

Miami

Summary: 

The Immigrant Justice Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center primarily works to (1) fight against state practices that funnel people into the deportation machine; (2) free immigrants from detention through individual representation and systemic reform; (3) change immigration and enforcement systems so they operate fairly and sensibly; (4) enforce laws protecting migrants from mistreatment by governments or employers; and (5) support immigrant communities in the states in which we work as they demand respect for their dignity and humanity; and end discrimination based on immigration status or national origin;

The Senior Staff Attorney will litigate individual and class action civil rights cases in federal courts at the trial and appellate levels. S/he may develop and lead legislative work and public advocacy campaigns. The focus of the position may change as warranted by changes in the law, the circumstances facing immigrants, or the needs of the organization. 

Primary Job Functions:

• Develop and lead litigation and campaigns in collaboration with SPLC attorneys, policy counsel, outreach paralegals, communications staff, and partner organizations;
• Draft briefs, memos, and other documents in support of litigation, policy advocacy, and public education;
• Analyze legal and policy developments related to immigrant justice;
• Communicate regularly with SPLC’s clients, co-counsel, and partner organizations;
• Manage the legal work of law fellows and staff attorneys;
• Supervise outreach activities related to litigation and campaigns;
• Represent SPLC in various fora, including before community groups, legislators, and regulatory agencies;
• Respond to requests for legal assistance and provide technical assistance to immigrant communities and partner organizations;
• Other duties as may be assigned to meet SPLC needs.

Qualifications –

Education and Work Experience:

• JD from accredited university;
• At least 5 years of federal court civil litigation or comparable legal experience, preferably including complex civil rights litigation;
• Excellent research and writing skills; 
• Membership in good standing with the Florida bar or willingness to sit for the next Bar Exam;

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and have fun in a high-energy, fast-paced work environment;
• Creativity, flexibility around changing priorities and deadlines, and a demonstrated willingness to take calculated risks in crafting and executing strategies;
• Demonstrated leadership in building and maintaining an innovative and positive working culture;
• Initiative, vision, and a proven commitment to the struggle for social justice;
• Ability to work on multiple campaigns at once in conjunction with SPLC teams and partners;
• Excellent and consistent attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines;
• Strong communication skills;
• Commitment to a non-hierarchical, client-centered approach to advocacy and ability to work on sensitive issues in a compassionate manner;
• Aptitude for and willingness to be a team player, including with diverse partners;
• Bilingual in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the Southeastern United States (e.g., Haitian Creole or Vietnamese).

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, a writing sample of up to 10 pages, a copy of your law school transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable), and a list of three references.Please use the following link: https://www.splcenter.org/about/careers/jobs?gh_jid=4058850002 

Other Special Considerations:

This job is performed under general office conditions, and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to 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

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.