ACLU of Kansas · 2 months ago
Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney
Wichita, KS
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$75K/yr - $75K/yr
2+ years expThe ACLU of Kansas seeks to hire an experienced Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney to investigate and litigate civil rights cases in state and federal courts, primarily focusing on voting rights. The selected candidate will be responsible for developing litigation strategies, conducting legal research, and engaging in legal advocacy to promote civil liberties.
Civic & Social Organization
Responsibilities
Investigate and litigate a range of civil liberties and civil rights cases in state and federal courts, to include: conducting factual and legal research; interviewing clients and witnesses; preparing legal memoranda, Open Records Act requests, demand letters, and other materials in advance of litigation; drafting pleadings and briefs; managing discovery; participating in trials and appeals, including conducting voir dire, taking witnesses, and giving oral arguments; negotiating settlements; and identifying and drafting amicus briefs
Help assess requests for legal assistance as assigned, and identify appropriate cases for legal challenges
Develop and deliver trainings, CLEs, and other presentations to the Kansas legal community on ACLU issues
Develop and help maintain relationships with pro bono co-counsel, local officials, and others who can help the ACLU of Kansas accomplish its campaign objectives
Engage in legal advocacy work to advance civil rights and liberties through non-litigation means, such as writing public comments, participating in public education events, and assisting the Policy Department with analyzing or drafting public comment on proposed legislation, as necessary
Provide legal analysis to other senior ACLU staff as directed by the Legal Director
Serve as a spokesperson for the ACLU of Kansas on legal issues handled by our office, as assigned
Work with other program staff to implement campaign objectives and identify opportunities for reform through litigation
Provide supervision and mentorship to junior legal staff, including staff attorneys, legal fellows and interns; perform other duties as assigned to support the Legal Director
Qualification
Required
Demonstrated commitment to the mission and principles of the ACLU of Kansas
J.D. and law license, with ability to waive into the Kansas Bar or sit for the next available bar exam
Proficient knowledge and understanding of constitutional law and civil liberties issues
Ability to litigate independently and collaboratively, juggle multiple projects at once, and exercise good judgment under stressful situations
Ability and willingness to research and quickly learn new, complex legal issues and build lawsuits on short notice in response to breaking events
Ability to think creatively about non-litigation solutions to promote ACLU of Kansas objectives, as part of an integrated advocacy team
Proficiency with LexisNexis and e-filing (state or federal). Preference for familiarity with other programs utilized in complex litigation, including Relativity and Clio
Willingness to manage a fast-paced and occasionally demanding schedule to meet litigation or other programmatic deadlines
Experience taking initiative, being proactive, and anticipating litigation needs
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with a willingness to be patient, collegial, and supportive of the legal team and other affiliate colleagues
Willingness to receive and respond to actionable feedback, communicate directly regarding issues that arise in cases, and work as a cohesive and collaborative member of a multi-person and multi-firm litigation team
Willingness to travel across the state with infrequent overnight stays
A personal approach that values the individual, respects diversity, acknowledges the intersectionality of the identities of your colleagues and clients, and approaches the work with an anti-racist lens and commitment
Preferred
Experience litigating class actions
Experience litigating emergency motions, including preliminary injunctions and temporary restraining orders, in state or federal court
Bilingual/Spanish fluency
Experience explaining complicated legal issues to the public and/or press in plain easily understood terms
Benefits
Competitive health benefits The ACLU of Kansas pays the full premium for the health care coverage for the employee and approximately 70% for dependents.
Comprehensive Retirement Package including automatic enrollment in the organization’s Contribution Plan.
Longevity Payments paid yearlyand gradually increasing based upon the anniversary date of hire.
Generous Paid Time Off includes 17 paid holidays, vacation, personal, and sick paid time-off.
Employee Assistance Plan offers support and referrals to help you, and members of your household manage everyday life issues.
Flexibility ACLU of Kansasfollows a hybrid schedule model allowing staff to work remotely up to three days per week. Our in-office time is primarily used for team meetings and formal and informal collaboration. We support our employees to do their best work with technology to support remote collaboration, and intentional strategies to foster a positive work culture.
Reimbursement for Professional Dues ACLU of Kansas reimburses the costs of fees for some professional licensing requirements where the license is required for performance of job duties.
Company
ACLU of Kansas
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the civil rights and liberties of all people living in Kansas.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase