Director- Civil Advocacy Program
The Legal Aid Justice Center seeks a Legal Director for our Civil Advocacy Program, ideally working from our main office in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Civil Advocacy Program Legal Director will lead the work of our largest program, which encompasses our housing, consumer, public benefits, health law and institutionalized persons units. As a member of the organization’s Leadership team, the Legal Director will lead multi-faceted campaigns on behalf of Virginia’s poor. The Legal Director will play a variety of roles, developing policy and litigation campaigns, and overseeing their execution. In addition, this individual will mentor less-experienced attorneys developing their own skills. The individual hired will enjoy significant freedom in shaping the breadth and scope of the position. The Legal Director will also be expected to actively assist the development team in raising funds and developing and maintaining relationships with funders.
The Legal Aid Justice Center is a nationally recognized, non-profit civil legal program with three offices through the state of Virginia. Our dynamic staff of approximately twenty attorneys pursue systemic legal advocacy for all low-income Virginians using a wide array of strategies. Through legal representation, community education, and statewide advocacy, the Legal Aid Justice Center works both to eliminate the immediate symptoms and to address the underlying causes of poverty in Virginia. We encourage diversity, value unique voices, pursue our goals with passion, and enjoy having fun while working for the public interest.
Demonstrated concern for the needs and rights of low-income persons is required. Applicants should have substantial experience in federal practice. Class action experience is highly desirable.
Applicants should indicate the substantive range of their practice experience. The ideal candidate will also have trained or mentored less-experienced attorneys and will have excellent communications skills. Because our work can be stressful, we think our workplace should not be—so a healthy sense of humor is essential. Diverse economic, social or cultural experiences are a plus, as is Spanish fluency. Competitive candidates should be admitted to the Virginia State Bar or eligible for reciprocal admission.
Salary depends on experience based on a competitive public interest salary scale. Benefits include a generous leave policy, excellent family health insurance, LRAP and 403(b) pension plan. While it is expected that the Legal Director will work out of our Charlottesville office, we will consider basing the position from either Richmond or Falls Church for an exceptional candidate. The starting date is negotiable, and the position will be open until filled. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, references and a writing sample ASAP to Mary Bauer at hiring@justice4all.org. The Legal Aid Justice Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit us online at www.justice4all.org.