Attorney (JustChildren Program)
About the Position LAJC seeks a full-time, experienced attorney for its JustChildren Program. Working as part of a team of attorneys, community organizers, and policy experts, the attorney will use legal and policy advocacy to support grassroots campaigns aimed at advancing equity in education, demanding a fair and restorative youth justice system, dismantling structural racism, and building communities where all children can thrive.
The attorney will:
• Provide advice and counsel to individuals and community groups on education, youth justice, and children’s services issues • When appropriate, support impact litigation in state and federal court • Advocate for legislation, regulations, and policies that support young people, especially youth of color, those from low-wealth communities, and students with disabilities • Partner with community organizers and grassroots leaders to develop and implement systems change initiatives • Participate in various work groups, advisory groups, coalitions, etc., and attend community events • Produce publications, including reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, op-eds, and blog posts • Draft press releases, organize press conferences, and respond to media inquiries • Utilize LAJC’s social media and action alert software
Required Qualifications • Virginia Bar licensure, ability to waive into Virginia Bar, or willing to sit for Bar exam • Two years of relevant experience • Professional or lived experience advocating in low-wealth communities • Outstanding oral advocacy, research, writing, organizational, and leadership skills • Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively • Willingness to travel statewide occasionally • Ability to work and communicate effectively across lines of identity • Strong commitment to racial justice Preferred
Qualifications • At least four years of relevant experience • Familiarity with Virginia and/or federal court practice • Experience with impact advocacy, including class action litigation • Experience with community lawyering and/or experience with youth organizing • Familiarity with JustChildren’s core practice areas, including education, youth justice, and children’s mental health • Experience with coalition building • Comfort with technology and social media • Experience with using data in impact campaigns
To Apply:
Application Instructions Email a cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample to Rachael Deane, Legal Director of LAJC’s JustChildren Program, at hiring@justice4all.org. The cover letter should highlight experience in building campaigns, including relevant litigation experience. The cover letter should also highlight any specialized skills, such as language fluency, data analysis, or technology skills.
The position will be open until filled, but application review will begin on June 29, 2020.
Questions? Contact Rachael Deane, JustChildren Legal Director, at rachael@justice4all.org.
Note: LAJC is currently working remotely, and we are eager to provide a welcoming virtual environment for all who apply. We will provide flexibility for the applicant hired for this position to work remotely for at least the first six months after their start date.