Debtors Prison Project Staff Attorney

Public Justice - Oakland, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Oakland, CA

About the position

The Debtors' Prison Project Staff Attorney at Public Justice will focus on ending the criminalization of poverty through litigation, advocacy, and education. This role involves developing and litigating cases, collaborating with various stakeholders, and contributing to strategic planning and public education efforts. The attorney will work closely with the DPP team and other allies to ensure that individuals are not punished for their inability to pay debts, thereby promoting social and economic justice.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and develop new DPP cases from inception through appeal, including factual investigation and community outreach.
• Serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in litigation tasks, including legal research, discovery, and settlement negotiations.
• Supervise attorneys, fellows, law clerks, investigators, and legal assistants.
• Participate in strategic planning and contribute to thought leadership on DPP-related issues.
• Engage in non-litigation advocacy, including drafting letters to local governments and coordinating with legislative advocates.
• Develop and implement storytelling campaigns in partnership with the Communications Department.
• Assist with fundraising efforts by promoting DPP's work to current and prospective funders.
• Build networks and collaborate with allies, including Public Justice's Board of Directors.

Requirements

• Law school graduate with at least 5 years of relevant legal and advocacy experience.
• Admission to a state bar and willingness to gain admission to DC bar if not based in CA or DC.
• Strong commitment to racial justice and to ending mass incarceration and wealth-based punishment.
• Excellent analytical, legal research, and writing skills.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Self-motivated with proven ability to work as part of a team.
• Creativity, initiative, strong work ethic, and sound judgment.
• Willingness to travel.
• Ability to effectively work with people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Comfort with meeting potential clients and witnesses in jail and prison settings.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in civil rights class actions, public defense, or other litigation challenging injustices in the criminal legal system.

Benefits

• At least three weeks of paid vacation.
• Two weeks of sick leave and two personal days each year.
• All federal and some local holidays off.
• Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
• 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
• A competitive salary based on years out of law school, starting at $109,350 for recent graduates.