Litigation Director
Justice in Aging seeks an outstanding attorney to lead our litigation to defend the nation’s social safety net and expand the rights of older adults. The successful candidate will be responsible for crafting litigation strategy and setting priorities to preserve and expand the programs upon which America’s seniors depend for health and economic security, including Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income. The Litigation Director will lead an expanded litigation team dedicated to defending the rights of low-income seniors to access health and income benefits, to ameliorate and prevent poverty and homelessness among older Americans, and to ensure that the safety net is available to all without discrimination. The Litigation Director can be based in any of our three offices – Washington DC, Oakland or Los Angeles.
Justice in Aging (formerly known as the National Senior Citizens Law Center) uses the power of law and our expertise in safety net programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SSI to fight senior poverty. We have a rich tradition of successful, high-impact, strategic advocacy on behalf of the more than 6 million seniors living in poverty in America.
Our litigation program has a reputation for successfully using the courts to protect the rights of older adults. We partner with advocates on the ground to monitor legal issues that impact our clients and advance litigation to address problems that arise. In the last decade, Justice in Aging’s litigation team has returned or preserved more than two billion dollars in safety net benefits for seniors and people with disabilities living in poverty. This position presents an excellent opportunity to lead this impactful work in a time when the challenges to the safety net seniors rely on could not be any greater.
Responsibilities
- Manage Justice in Aging’s high-impact docket of class action and other systemic cases involving poor seniors’ health and income benefits.
- Work with Justice in Aging’s economic and health expert attorneys to identify and develop potential litigation opportunities.
- Supervise and support the litigation work and professional development of Justice in Aging attorneys.
- Recruit and organize other advocates, stakeholders, and pro bono attorneys to participate in Justice in Aging’s litigation efforts.
- Work with other members of Justice in Aging’s executive leadership team to support legislative and administrative advocacy and our communications and development efforts.
- Support and/or provide leadership in national efforts to ensure court access for public benefits recipients.
- Some travel may be required.
Requirements
- J.D. and active bar membership
- Track record of substantial, effective impact litigation.
- Experience in one or more of the following subject matter areas: Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, consumer protection, civil rights (especially the Americans with Disabilities Act) and elder justice.
- Proven ability to master complex administrative legal schemes and/or advanced civil procedure topics.
- High degree of professionalism and understanding of legal ethics.
- Collegial, collaborative and inspiring leadership style, including taking initiative with skill and confidence; constructing a litigation strategy; and ability to play both lead and supporting roles in public interest litigation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, build external relationships, and work in partnership in litigation.
- Polished and persuasive speaking, presentation, and written communication ability.
- Connections to and experience working with diverse populations, including communities of color, people with disabilities, and/or LGTBT communities.
- Passion for social justice for low-income older adults and desire to provide assistance to underserved populations.
Desired:
- Experience litigating class actions in federal court.
- Membership in California bar, or willingness to become admitted in California.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidate review will begin on January 23, 2017.
To Apply: Please submit the following to Katrina Cohens, kcohens@justiceinaging.org: (1) a résumé, (2) a writing sample, (3) a list of three professional references, and (4) a cover letter that describes your interest in this particular position and addresses the following question:
Justice in Aging advocates for older adults, particularly those in populations that have traditionally lacked legal protection, such as women, people of color, LGBT individuals, and people with limited English proficiency. To promote social justice and best achieve our mission, Justice in Aging is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. How has your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, prepared you to contribute to our commitment to social justice and diversity amongst our staff?
Justice in Aging offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and life insurance; flexible reimbursement plan; 403(b) retirement savings plan; personal days; and generous vacation policy.