Staff Attorney, Civil Rights Hub

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION 
Public Rights Project (PRP) is a national nonprofit organization that helps local government officials fight for civil rights. We build their capacity to protect and advance civil rights, convene and connect them on key issues, and provide legal representation to help them win in court for residents. Since its founding in 2017, PRP has recovered significant financial relief for marginalized people; built a nationwide network of government offices, elected officials, and community-based organizations; trained prosecutors and government lawyers across the country; and secured court victories on rights for abortion, immigrants, workers, and voting. Learn more about our work. 

JOB SUMMARY
Public Rights Project seeks to hire a Staff Attorney to join its Civil Rights Hub (CRH). The Staff Attorney will support CRH objectives through legal research and writing, coordinating resources for local jurisdictions and leaders, and advising jurisdictional partners on a wide array of civil rights matters. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, has strong legal writing skills, can prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment, and demonstrates excellent judgment about what information needs immediate attention.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise, counsel, and support PRP governmental partners (cities, counties, elected officials) on civil rights matters;
• Conduct civil rights legal research and provide guidance and analysis for a range of jurisdictions;
• Draft persuasive legal documents including amicus and other legal briefs, memoranda, legal analyses, and other written work product as well as review, edit, and provide feedback on others’ work product;
• Strengthen relationships across jurisdictions by identifying opportunities for CRH advocacy, collaboration, and strategic action, both independently and as a member of a team;
• Participate in coalition work with diverse partners, including government officials, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups. 
• Plan and facilitate virtual convenings for government officials and advocates, including shaping agendas, identifying speakers, preparing materials, and surfacing timely legal and advocacy issues for discussion 
• Exercise judgment to filter and prioritize information for leadership, managing-up effectively;
• Support PRP’s communications about CRH, including through public speaking and drafting press statements, “explainers,” and op-eds (as needed);
• Contribute to an innovative, inclusive, and supportive group of advocates; and
• Other duties as assigned.
   

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Licensed to practice law in a jurisdiction of the United States;
• At least 4 or more years of relevant experience as an attorney. Relevant experience may include litigation, including brief writing or other forms of movement lawyering; 
• Experience working at nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or law firms focused on civil rights, civil litigation, or related areas;
• Experience in reproductive rights, LGBTQI+ rights, disability rights, or similar civil rights areas is a plus;
• Background coordinating and facilitating in-person or virtual gatherings, such as meetings, stakeholder briefings, trainings, or cross-team discussions; and
• Prior experience with remote work in large teams in support of fast-moving and mission-driven litigation is preferred.
   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Outstanding writing and editing skills, including drafting and editing complex briefs, memoranda, and legal analysis;
• Strong legal research and analytical skills; 
• Excellent communication skills, both writing and speaking;
• Ability to analyze and explain complex legal issues;
• Outstanding judgment about both legal issues and strategy;
• Ability to prioritize effectively in high-volume, fast-paced environments;
• Ability to take ownership and accountability; learns from mistakes and moves forward;
• Team player who can work with government partners, co-counsel, community-based organizations, and other advocates, as well as internal teams;
• Demonstrated positive and respectful attitude, ability to work well with diverse people and communities, capacity to show presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability; 
• A passionate commitment to civil rights, economic, racial, and gender justice; and
• Belief in the power of state and local government to make positive change in the world.
   

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to a Senior Staff Attorney in the Civil Rights Hub. This position will also work closely with members of the CRH Team and other Program Team staff.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Requires sitting, talking, and listening for up to 8 hours per day. Certain situations may require lifting items up to 20 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Fully remote organization and team. This role requires travel several times a year to PRP events, case hearings, conferences or meetings.

COMPENSATION
The determined salary range for this role is set at Level 3: $100,683 - $136,218 exact salary will be based on candidate experience. For internal equity purposes, PRP will not negotiate with candidates outside of the role’s designated range.

PRP HIRING COMMITMENT
PRP is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. A diverse and inclusive workplace, both at PRP and within the government offices we serve, is a key ingredient for achieving our mission of building equitable enforcement capacity within state and local government. 

We aim to assemble a team that reflects the world we live in and the communities we serve with respect to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and immigration status. People with personal or family experience with the type of harms we seek to combat, including wage theft, predatory lending, fraud, discrimination, and environmental degradation are particularly encouraged to apply.

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