Summary:

The Criminal Justice Reform (CJR) practice group focuses on decriminalizing and decarcerating Black and brown people in our target states by: (1) reforming the juvenile and criminal legal systems to prevent people from entering these systems and ensure that the systems operate fairly and equitably; (2) ensuring the dignity and humanity of people interacting with these systems; and (3) reducing the detained and incarcerated population.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Legal Director, the Senior Supervising Attorney will help develop and implement CJR’s vision and strategies. This person will supervise a dedicated team of staff attorneys and help manage the work of support staff. To this end, the Senior Supervising Attorney will help investigate, develop, lead, and litigate individual and class action cases in federal and state trial and appellate courts and in administrative proceedings and engage in other forms of legal advocacy, policy reform, and community education. The focus of the position may change as warranted by changes in the law, the circumstances facing current and formerly incarcerated people, or the organization’s needs.

Primary Job Functions: 

• Develop new cases and campaigns and lead litigation and legal advocacy;
• Supervise, mentor, develop, and manage the work of a diverse team of Senior Staff Attorneys, Staff Attorneys, legal support professionals, externs, interns, and other staff;
• Hire, train, establish, and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign duties, and conduct performance reviews;
• Collaborate with the Deputy Legal Director and the Policy Department to identify and support the advancement of federal, state, and local policy priorities and testify to legislative bodies upon request;
• Collaborate with the Deputy Legal Director and the Communications Department to develop communication strategies around cases and campaigns and serve as a spokesperson upon request;
• Collaborate with team members of other practice groups in the Legal Department to advance the SPLC’s impact goals and campaigns;
• Communicate regularly with SPLC staff across the southern region about cases, campaigns, and strategies;
• Supervise outreach activities related to cases and campaigns;
• Represent SPLC in various fora, including before community groups, legislatures, state agencies, and the media;
• Develop and oversee community engagement efforts to maintain open communication and collaboration with directly impacted people and communities; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• D. Degree;
• At least eight (8) years of federal court civil litigation or comparable legal experience, with knowledge of procedural and substantive criminal law and experience challenging prison conditions a plus;
• At least two (2) years of experience managing legal staff to include hiring, training, performance evaluation, and mentoring;
• Demonstrated leadership in building and maintaining an innovative, inclusive, equitable, and positive work culture; and
• Admission to the Bar in Florida, or willingness to sit for the next Florida Bar examination after relocation to Florida.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent case management skills, including the ability to manage multiple cases and stages of litigation;
• Excellent oral and research and writing skills, consistent attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines;
• Creativity and a demonstrated willingness to take calculated risks in crafting and executing strategies;
• Initiative, vision, and a proven commitment to the SPLC’s mission and goals;
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently;
• Strong organizational skills, follow-through, and flexibility around changing priorities and deadlines;
• Aptitude for and willingness to be a team player;
• Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; and
• Commitment to fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

Other Special Considerations:

This job is performed under general office conditions, and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position.  These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.

Date Posted: 7/15/2022

Organization Details