Pro Bono Counsel - Civil Rights

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At a glance

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The Pro Bono Counsel - Civil Rights –role is responsible for: (a) managing and expanding the firm’s prisoner civil rights pro bono practice; (b) training and mentoring partners and associates participating in prisoner civil rights litigation; and (c) advancing the Pro Bono Department’s programming goals including its racial justice and equity CEASE Initiative.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the Firm’s Prisoner Civil Rights Practice

• Work with Senior Pro Bono Counsel to review and vet potential new lawsuits for all U.S. offices.
• Supervise teams of associates staffed to prisoner civil rights lawsuits, including review of written work product and oral presentations.
• Consult with partners leading teams staffed to prisoner civil rights lawsuits.
• Manage pro bono prisoner civil rights docket to ensure orderly progression of all lawsuits.
• Participate in Pro Bono Committee and Pro Bono Department meetings and strategy planning.

 Train and Mentor Associates and Partners Participating in Prisoner Civil Rights Practice

• Work with Senior Pro Bono Counsel, the firm’s Learning & Development team, and the firm’s trial training institute to ensure the development of the next generation of litigators through trial experience.
• Create a safe space learning environment to maximize performance of participating associates and partners.
• Create and conduct subject matter trainings as needed for effective advocacy in prisoner civil rights lawsuits.
• Coordinate development of resources supporting the prisoner civil rights practice.

 Advance the Pro Bono Department’s Programming Goals

• In conjunction with Senior Pro Bono Counsel, vet and examine new litigation matters supporting the Pro Bono Department’s programming goals, including the firm’s racial justice and equity CEASE Initiative.
• As needed, supervise teams conducting impact litigation, either as an interim supervisor or as a permanent team member.

• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school required.
• Current bar admission required.
• Minimum ten (10) years of litigation experience including leading trial teams required.
• Demonstrated experience with prisoner civil rights litigation required.

Competencies

• Excellent judgment to collaborate with firm partners and associates, and the local and national public interest law community.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent people skills and ability to work well with attorneys and staff.
•  Significant trial experience to properly teach trial techniques and strategies to teams of attorneys with limited trial experience.
• Willingness to devote time to learn case facts and procedural posture to effectively direct case development and attorney resource allocation.
• Demonstrate the patience and approachability necessary to create a safe learning space to promote effective learning by attorneys with limited trial experience, including associates and partners.
• Strong mentoring skills to provide attorneys encouragement and help them develop the self-confidence needed to effectively present in court.
• Facility with discussing and litigating claims and circumstances that implicate issues of race and potential discrimination.
• Substantial experience with prisoner civil rights litigation under Section 1983, the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other laws.

Apply now