Senior Attorney, Impact Litigation Unit

$100,000 - $115,000/Yr

Southern Center for Human Rights - Atlanta, GA

Full-time - Senior

Atlanta, GA

About the position

The Southern Center for Human Rights (SCHR) seeks a senior attorney to join our impact litigation unit to help challenge unconstitutional practices of the criminal legal system through federal and state litigation in Alabama and Georgia. The Senior Attorney will work in the Impact Litigation Unit, which challenges unconstitutional practices of the criminal legal system through federal and state litigation in Alabama and Georgia. The eight-member ILU consists of seven attorneys (director, one senior attorney, four staff attorneys, and one fellow) and one investigator (though we are hiring for a second). The Senior Attorney's specific duties will include supervision of lawyers and investigators in prison and jail conditions litigation and other Section 1983 litigation. The candidate will be involved in the day-to-day aspects of class action litigation, including drafting complaints, briefs, litigation correspondence, and discovery documents; taking depositions; preparing for and conducting evidentiary hearings; conducting settlement negotiations; and monitoring and enforcing consent decrees.

Responsibilities

• Supervise lawyers and investigators in prison and jail conditions litigation and other Section 1983 litigation.
• Draft complaints, briefs, litigation correspondence, and discovery documents.
• Take depositions and prepare for and conduct evidentiary hearings.
• Conduct settlement negotiations and monitor/enforce consent decrees.

Requirements

• Substantial litigation experience, including in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience in Section 1983 litigation in federal court.
• Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively about litigation.
• Demonstrated dedication to working with people with low incomes and communities of color.
• A keen awareness of the class and racial issues underlying the criminal legal system.
• Commitment to antiracism and fostering SCHR as an anti-racist organization.
• Driver's license required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience managing litigation teams and providing supervision to junior staff and investigators.
• Positive demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Salary range of $100,000 - $115,000.
• 100% premium paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision care, and life insurance.
• Modest stipends for transportation and wellness.
• Access to a flexible spending account.
• Childcare assistance (if eligible).