Defender Counsel, Defender Legal Services
The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA), founded in 1911, America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel, seeks a Defender Counsel, Defender Legal Services. NLADA’s Defender Legal Services (DLS) works to enhance the ability of public defense programs to improve social outcomes for indigent persons in contact with the criminal justice system. Through advocacy and research initiatives, and by providing technical assistance and training to leaders and providers of indigent defense services, DLS strengthens and protects the constitutionally guaranteed but frequently unfulfilled promise of the right to counsel for all Americans. The Defender Counsel for Defender Legal Services will provide support to DLS to advance this equal justice agenda. This position will be responsible for conducting research, and writing and editing training materials, articles, reports, policy statements, blogs and other documents and publications, on legal matters, funding resources, policy issues etc. This role will also provide staff support for Association governing bodies, sections and committees; develop grant deliverables; serve as faculty at trainings and conferences; supervise and manage law students and serve as liaison on government relations matters.
Qualified candidates must be attorneys admitted to practice before the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This position requires a minimum of three to five years of overall experience in the area of criminal defense practice or policy advocacy and experience with indigent defense, preferably as a public defender. Excellent analytical skills, research skills, strong organizational skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to handle deadlines and competing demands, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment autonomously and in teams, computer proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office Suite (MSWord, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), and a strong commitment to the mission and goals of NLADA are required. NLADA has a collegial, highly collaborative, professional office environment where employees take pride in effectively leveraging resources and fully engaging to deliver excellent results. We value service, creativity, and thought-leadership. We are conveniently located near D.C.’s Metro Rail (red, blue, and orange lines).
To apply for this position send a resume, cover letter and writing sample to hr@nlada.org with the subject line “NLADA JOBS: DEFENDER COUNSEL.” NLADA is an equal opportunity employer.