Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights · 14 hours ago
Senior Counsel
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$90K/yr - $108K/yr
8+ years expChicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Senior Counsel in our Midwest Voting Rights Program at a critical moment for American democracy. The Senior Counsel will lead high-impact litigation and policy advocacy defending and protecting voting rights in Illinois and the Midwest, shaping the legal landscape for years to come.
CommunitiesLegalNon ProfitSocial Impact
Responsibilities
Lead and conduct impact litigation challenging systemic barriers to voting and representation in Illinois and Indiana
Research and develop legal theories for challenges to discriminatory laws, policies, and procedures
Support pro bono relationships with major law firms serving as co-counsel—leveraging a network of 600+ volunteer attorneys to take on cases a small team otherwise couldn't
Collaborate with colleagues to identify intersections and develop integrated advocacy approaches that advance racial equity and economic opportunity for the clients and communities we serve
Draft and analyze legislation
Partner with colleagues, community organizations and coalitions on legislative, policy and administrative advocacy
Produce publications, know-your-rights materials, fact sheets, and policy briefs
Conduct presentations to stakeholders including legislators, advocates, and media
Cultivate and maintain partnerships with organizations and coalitions from communities impacted by systemic racism
Provide brief advice and legal opinions to community partners in Illinois and Indiana
Plan and participate in community education and outreach in support of advocacy goals
Lead Election Protection initiatives including volunteer attorney recruitment, training, and deployment, as well as advocacy to election authorities
Coordinate jail voting initiatives and partnerships with incarcerated and returning community members
Qualification
Required
Must be available to be in the Chicago office once-a-week and available for in-person work in Chicago and surrounding areas
J.D. and admission to the Illinois Bar (or admission in another state with requirement to obtain Illinois licensure within one year)
At least 8 years of combined experience in civil rights litigation, policy advocacy, and/or experience advancing voting rights
Demonstrated impact litigation experience, including federal court practice
Experience working with community organizations and coalitions
Deep commitment to racial justice and community-driven advocacy
Experience supervising attorneys, fellows, or program staff
Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
High degree of flexibility, ability to multi-task, and significant initiative
Strong analytical skills, attention to details and accuracy
Excellent people skills, especially the ability to communicate effectively with a diversity of groups and individuals
Cross-cultural competencies and self-awareness around issues of power, privilege, and difference
Benefits
15 vacation days per year for years 1-2, increasing to 20 vacation days after two years of continuous service, plus 2 personal days
10 sick days per year
Health, dental, basic life, short-term disability, long-term disability, and Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary vision, life, critical illness, and accident insurance
403(b) retirement plan
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Company
Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights
We are civil rights lawyers and advocates working to secure racial equity and economic opportunity for all.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Oi Eng-Crandus
Chief Finance and Operations Officer
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