Senior Litigator (Hybrid)

WHO WE ARE: Founded in 1966, CRLAs mission is to fight for justice and individual rights alongside the most exploited communities of our society. California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. offers legal services that defend the rights of the rural poor and change the unjust systems that oppress them. Our advocates believe that rural communities can thrive, and that the legal system can be worked to the advantage of people who reject poverty and discrimination. The work we advance spans an impressive gamut of venues and stands on a bold legacy of success and a vision for the prosperity of our clients.

Position: Senior Litigator

Experience: 8+ years
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Location: Hybrid
Term of Employment: Regular, Full-Time
Other: FLSA Exempt, Non-Union Position

Position Description

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Senior Litigator will join a growing team of experienced litigators to support CRLAs impact litigation and systemic advocacy. CRLA believes in using an array of advocacy tools to address systemic issues, including litigation, policy advocacy, community education, media, and collaboration with other organizations. The Senior Litigator will have the opportunity to demonstrate strategic and innovative thought leadership to address challenging and complex matters on behalf of rural Californians seeking equity and justice.

The Senior Litigator will be responsible for leading and supporting impact litigation and systemic advocacy, developing staffs litigation skills through co-counseling and trainings, and helping shape CRLAs strategic advocacy goals. Advocacy will focus on CRLAs priority areas and other areas affecting rural populations including housing, labor and employment, education, health, public benefits, and civil rights. The ideal candidate will have experience using an array of advocacy tools, and a strong foundational understanding of the root causes of poverty.

Essential Responsibilities

Systemic Advocacy

• Litigate systemic impact cases and undertake systemic advocacy as lead or co-counsel.
• Work with CRLA programs to identify systemic advocacy opportunities.
• Research and analyze complex legal issues and develop effective advocacy strategies to combat systemic injustices through multi-faceted approaches including legal, policy, and community advocacy.
• Investigate and develop factual legal claims, prepare pleadings and motions, conduct discovery, present oral arguments, and represent clients in trials.
• Attend court appearances, mediations, and settlement conferences.
• Develop expertise in one or more areas of poverty law within CRLAs priorities.
• Maintain a high level of professional competence through attendance at training sessions, seminars, and conferences and individual efforts to keep abreast of current developments in poverty law and issues affecting low-income people.

Staff Development and Collaboration

• Provide co-counseling or other litigation support to CRLA advocates.
• Provide mentorship and serve as a resource to newer attorneys and advocates across CRLA.
• Lead litigation and systemic advocacy efforts as part of a team, delegating tasks and ensuring effective advocacy by other members of the team.
• Develop resources for litigation and systemic advocacy best practices and conduct training on discrete aspects of litigation and systemic advocacy.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, particularly groups and individuals who are most directly affected by the legal issues CRLA seeks to address.
• Ensure that case handling complies with CRLA policies, Legal Services Corporation regulations, the ABA Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Services, and ethical obligations.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Advise CRLAs Executive Director, General Counsel, and Deputy Director on strategic advocacy initiatives.
• Raise awareness of CRLAs work and the issues faced by CRLAs clients through media, participation in conferences, and collaboration with other organizations, agencies, and issue- and community-based coalitions.
• Support the establishment of policies and programs that promote a desirable organizational culture and vision.
• Model appropriate leadership behaviors and take swift action to mitigate behaviors that compromise CRLA values. In collaboration with Human Resources, ensure a culture of knowledge sharing and continued learning.
• Other duties as assigned.