Jobs

Senior Staff Attorney

Job description

STAFF ATTORNEY JOB DESCRIPTION

LOCATION: New York (or Remote)

POST DATE -----

ABOUT THE SIKH COALITION:

For over 20 years, the Sikh Coalition, a national community-based, civil rights organization, has defended Sikh civil liberties in the courtroom, classroom, community, and halls of Congress. Whether it’s working to secure safer schools, combat and prevent hate and discrimination, create equal employment opportunities and access, or empower local Sikh communities, the Sikh Coalition’s goal is working towards a world where Sikhs, and other religious and racial minorities in America, may freely practice their faith without bias and discrimination.

The Sikh Coalition is a nonpartisan, civil rights nonprofit with nearly 20 full-time staff and over one hundred volunteers that operates on a $2.4+ million budget with complete financial transparency. Our funding comes from grants, private foundations, and individual donors. We receive no funding from any government agencies.

We strive to do this work with integrity (sach), selflessness (seva) and with the lasting belief that our shared work holds a greater purpose (sangarsh). We will relentlessly pursue our goals while putting the community and these values first.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sikh Coalition seeks a highly motivated Staff Attorney to join our legal team and provide direct legal assistance and advocate on behalf of Sikhs in high impact litigation matters. On a pro bono basis, we represent individuals who have been discriminated against or subject to bias based upon their religious beliefs or Sikh identity. These matters include areas of hate crimes, employment discrimination, bias-based school bullying, profiling, public accommodations, and other forms of religion-based discrimination.

The Sikh Coalition has favorably resolved major religious discrimination cases against the federal government, J.B. Hunt, Autozone, Disney, Lexus and the NYPD. In addition, it has successfully litigated against and secured a policy change allowing for Sikhs to serve in the U.S. Army with their turbans, unshorn hair, and beards intact. The legal team has provided direct support to the victims and survivors of anti-Sikh hate crimes across the country. In just 2016, the work of the Sikh Coalition’s legal team was featured nationally and internationally in media outlets including: The New York Times, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Fox News, NPR, etc.

In this role, the attorney will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic, professional and experienced team that is viewed by law firms and other civil rights organizations as leading legal experts in areas of racial and religious discrimination. In addition, the attorney will work with major law firms, non-profit partners, government agencies and law school clinics in a co-counseling capacity. Not only will the attorney be responsible for representing and advocating on behalf of Sikh clients, but will also function as a spokesperson who can translate that work effectively for policy changes and through local and national media.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include:

• Represent and advocate on behalf of Sikhs in a wide range of civil rights matters, including hate crimes, school bullying, profiling, employment discrimination, and other racial and religious rights issues;

• Communicate effectively with and diligently manage clients;

• Analyze clients’ claims under relevant law, advise clients, and take appropriate legal action;

• Conduct legal research, and draft legal memoranda and pleadings, and have a solid understanding of civil procedure;

• Conduct all aspects of litigation (strategizing, drafting pleadings, discovery, etc.) in civil cases before state and federal courts and administrative bodies;

• Manage intake and interview prospective clients;

• Provide information and referrals when necessary for clients to obtain assistance elsewhere;

• Recruit pro bono counsel and collaborate with other attorneys and organizations;Work effectively with the organization’s staff on collateral matters (whether advocacy campaigns, media initiatives, community engagement, fundraising, etc.);

• Take initiative in thinking through and leading out on next steps in case work;

• Personnel management of interns, fellows, and on cross-programmatic case work;

• Represent the Sikh Coalition at a variety of meetings and speaking engagements, and to the press and media outlets.

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS

A. Required Work Experience and Key Skills

• Bachelors and Juris Doctor degrees required;

• Bar membership in at least one U.S. based jurisdiction;

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience, preferably in litigation matters;

• Excellent written, oral and analytical skills;

• Demonstrated passion for social justice;

• Compassion for clients and ability to connect with and gain the trust of community members of diverse backgrounds;

• Bright, intellectually curious, hardworking and self-motivated;

• Able to handle a large caseload, multi-task effectively, and work independently in a fast-paced environment;

• Enjoys playing David to the world’s Goliaths, i.e., is undeterred by the complex challenges faced by our clients and the Sikh (and other vulnerable) community, and thrives on creative advocacy and strategizing of legal & non-legal solutions;

• Is a team player, i.e., is able to work effectively with legal and non-legal staff across all program areas, external co-counsel, board members, interns & fellows;

• Basic computer and LexisNexis skills;

• Punjabi language skills are a plus but not required.

B. Values and Perspectives

• Belief in Sikh Coalition values of truth, service, humility, and persistence.

• Respect for the faith-based roots of the organization and sensitivity to the specific cultural needs of the community.

• Commitment to consensus-building and shared decision making as a process.

• Proactive problem solving attitude.

• Embraces feedback and is driven by opportunities for growth.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

This is a full-time, exempt salaried position and compensation will commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision starting the first day of work fully covered for employees. Option to contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available.

• Retirement savings (equivalent to a 401K plan) with a contribution match.

• Generous vacation and sick leave.

• Paid parental leave.

• Employee perks including commuter benefits and retail discounts.

• Commitment to professional development and growth. Applicable professional membership dues can be eligible for reimbursement.

• Annual team-wide offsites with opportunity for team building, team bonding, and other activities.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

The Sikh Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Sikh Coalition is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental handicap, political belief, marital status, age, veteran status, ancestry, caste, medical condition, genetic characteristic, pregnancy, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, reproductive health choices, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit a current resume and a substantive cover letter highlighting interest and relevant experience.

Staff Attorney

Job description

ABOUT THE SIKH COALITION:

For over 20 years, the Sikh Coalition, a national community-based, civil rights organization, has defended Sikh civil liberties in the courtroom, classroom, community, and halls of Congress. Whether it’s working to secure safer schools, combat and prevent hate and discrimination, create equal employment opportunities and access, or empower local Sikh communities, the Sikh Coalition’s goal is working towards a world where Sikhs, and other religious and racial minorities in America, may freely practice their faith without bias and discrimination.

The Sikh Coalition is a nonpartisan, civil rights nonprofit with nearly 20 full-time staff and over one hundred volunteers that operates on a $2.4+ million budget with complete financial transparency. Our funding comes from grants, private foundations, and individual donors. We receive no funding from any government agencies.

We strive to do this work with integrity (sach), selflessness (seva) and with the lasting belief that our shared work holds a greater purpose (sangarsh). We will relentlessly pursue our goals while putting the community and these values first.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sikh Coalition seeks a highly motivated Staff Attorney to join our legal team and provide direct legal assistance and advocate on behalf of Sikhs in high impact litigation matters. On a pro bono basis, we represent individuals who have been discriminated against or subject to bias based upon their religious beliefs or Sikh identity. These matters include areas of hate crimes, employment discrimination, bias-based school bullying, profiling, public accommodations, and other forms of religion-based discrimination.

The Sikh Coalition, either alone or in patnership with pro bono co-counsel at large firms across the country, has favorably resolved major religious discrimination cases against various federal and state agencies including school districts, law enforcement agencies, and state prison systems, as well as against private companies such asmajor hospital systems, J.B. Hunt, Autozone, Disney, CareMark, and numerous others. In addition, our legal team has successfully litigated against and secured policy changes allowing for religious accommodations for Sikhs to serve in the U.S. Army and Air Force, and continues working towards equal access to employment for all Americans . Our legal team has provided rapid response support to the victims and survivors of anti-Sikh hate crimes across the country, and has worked on policy changes focused on better interpretations and applications of the law in mixed-motive bias discrimination matters. Additionally, the legal team hosts an annual CLE conference, Realizing Justice For All, which brings together thought leaders and civil rights experts on a variety of topics. The Sikh Coalition’s legal team has been featured nationally and internationally in media outlets including: The New York Times, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Fox News, NPR, etc.

In this role, the staff attorney will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic, professional and experienced team that is viewed by law firms and other civil rights organizations as leading legal experts in areas of racial and religious discrimination. In addition, the attorney will work with major law firms, non-profit partners, government agencies and law school clinics in a co-counseling capacity. Not only will the attorney be responsible for representing and advocating on behalf of Sikh clients, but will also function as a spokesperson who can translate that work effectively for policy changes and through local and national media.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include:

• Represent and advocate on behalf of Sikhs in a wide range of civil rights matters, including hate crimes, school bullying, profiling, employment discrimination, and other racial and religious rights issues;

• Communicate effectively with and diligently manage clients;

• Analyze clients’ claims under relevant law, advise clients, and take appropriate legal action;

• Conduct legal research and draft legal memoranda and pleadings, and have a solid understanding of civil procedure;

• Conduct all aspects of litigation (strategizing, drafting pleadings, discovery, etc.) in civil cases before state and federal courts and administrative bodies;

• Manage intakes and interview prospective clients;

• Provide information and referrals when necessary for clients to obtain assistance elsewhere;

• Recruit pro bono counsel and collaborate with other attorneys and organizations; Work effectively with the organization’s staff on collateral matters (whether advocacy campaigns, media initiatives, community engagement, fundraising, etc.);

• Take initiative in thinking through and leading out on next steps in case work

• Represent the Sikh Coalition at a variety of meetings and speaking engagements, and to the press and media outlets.

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS

A. Required Work Experience and Key Skills

• Bachelors and Juris Doctor degrees required;

• Bar membership in at least one U.S. based jurisdiction;

• Less than 5 years of experience;

• Excellent written, oral and analytical skills;

• Demonstrated passion for social justice;

• Compassion for clients and ability to connect with and gain the trust of community members of diverse backgrounds;

• Bright, intellectually curious, hardworking and self-motivated;

• Able to handle a large caseload, multi-task effectively, and work independently in a fast-paced environment;

• Enjoys playing David to the world’s Goliaths, i.e., is undeterred by the complex challenges faced by our clients and the Sikh (and other vulnerable) community, and thrives on creative advocacy and strategizing of legal & non-legal solutions;

• Is a team player, i.e., is able to work effectively with legal and non-legal staff across all program areas, external co-counsel, board members, interns & fellows;

• Basic computer and LexisNexis skills;

• Punjabi language skills are a plus but not required;

• Job can be based out of New York City office or remote.

B. Values and Perspectives

• Belief in Sikh Coalition values of truth, service, humility, and persistence.

• Respect for the faith-based roots of the organization and sensitivity to the specific cultural needs of the community.

• Commitment to consensus-building and shared decision making as a process.

• Proactive problem solving attitude.

• Embraces feedback and is driven by opportunities for growth.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

This is a full-time, exempt salaried position and compensation will commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision starting the first day of work fully covered for employees. Option to contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available.

• 403(b) Retirement savings (equivalent to a 401K plan) with a contribution match.

• Generous vacation and sick leave.

• Paid parental leave.

• Employee perks including commuter benefits and retail discounts.

• Commitment to professional development and growth. Applicable professional membership dues can be eligible for reimbursement.

• Annual team-wide offsites with opportunity for team building, team bonding, and other activities.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

The Sikh Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Sikh Coalition is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental handicap, political belief, marital status, age, veteran status, ancestry, caste, medical condition, genetic characteristic, pregnancy, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, reproductive health choices, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit a current resume and a substantive cover letter highlighting interest and relevant experience by January 20, 2022.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is the national umbrella organization for the nation’s leading network of women’s health care providers, educators, and advocates, serving women, men, teens and families. Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) is the advocacy and political arm of PPFA. For over 100 years, Planned Parenthood has done more than any other organization in the United States to improve women’s health and safety, prevent unintended pregnancies, and advance the right and ability of individuals and families to make informed and responsible health care decisions.  

The Public Policy Litigation & Law (“PPL&L”) program of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (“PPFA”) seeks applicants for the two-year fellowship position of Associate Policy Counsel. This position can be located either in New York City or Washington, DC but is currently remote.

PPL&L represents PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates in matters that affect the mission of the organization. We conduct litigation in state and federal courts across the country and provide legal advice to PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates about issues such as pending legislation, regulatory matters, and activities of those opposed to Planned Parenthood that interfere with our ability to provide comprehensive reproductive health care. The Associate Policy Counsel is a junior position with PPL&L. Reporting to the Director of State Policy in PPL&L, the Associate Policy Counsel assists in the provision of technical and strategic support on state legislation and policies impacting reproductive health care services, including the ability of Planned Parenthood affiliates to deliver health care services.

The primary responsibilities of the Associate Policy Counsel revolve around analyzing state legislation and policies, with a specific emphasis on state level restrictions that impact Planned Parenthood’s services and mission, and proactive policies to protect and expand access to reproductive health care. The Associate Policy Counsel will support the two Policy Counsels and Director of State Policy within PPL&L by: conducting legal research; analyzing legislation; drafting and reviewing testimony, talking points, and issue-based resources for state advocates; and working collaboratively across PPFA divisions and within national-level coalitions.

The PPL&L staff is split between New York City and Washington, DC. Regardless of where the Associate Policy Counsel is located, they would work with the entire PPL&L team, as well as with other staff in the federation. 

Qualifications

Starting salary: $100K

*LI-SY1

We value a truly diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We're committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

PPFA participates in the E-Verify program and is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• The SEC’s Division of Enforcement is seeking talented and committed attorneys interested in complex and challenging work to help protect investors and U.S. markets. The Division of Enforcement plays an essential role in carrying out the SEC’s mission by investigating possible violations of the federal securities laws and prosecuting the Commission’s civil suits in federal courts and administrative proceedings.

  The Division of Enforcement is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. That commitment is critical to attracting and retaining talent with the mix of skills and expertise needed to accomplish our mission.

  We are hosting informational sessions about opportunities for both junior and experienced attorneys in the Washington, DC office of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. The sessions will also provide information about the Division’s hiring process.  

  The sessions will take place on January 19 at 2 p.m. ET, and on January 25 at 11 a.m. ET on Webex. We will share the same information in both sessions. To register, please click the following links and provide your name and email address.

• • Register for the info session on January 25 at 11 a.m. ET (register here)

For more information on the SEC’s Division of Enforcement and application process, visit our webpage or http://www.sec.gov.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is the national umbrella organization for the nation’s leading network of women’s health care providers, educators, and advocates, serving women, men, teens and families. Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) is the advocacy and political arm of PPFA. For over 100 years, Planned Parenthood has done more than any other organization in the United States to improve women’s health and safety, prevent unintended pregnancies, and advance the right and ability of individuals and families to make informed and responsible health care decisions.  

The Public Policy Litigation & Law (PPL&L) Department of Planned Parenthood Federation ofAmerica (PPFA) seeks applicants for the position of Staff Attorney. This position can be located in New York City or Washington, DC.

PPL&L represents PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates in policy matters that affect themission of the organization. We conduct litigation in state and federal courts across the country,and we provide legal advice to PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates about legal issues such as pending legislation, regulatory matters, and activities of those opposed to Planned Parenthood that interfere with our ability to provide comprehensive reproductive health care.

ORGANIZATION TYPE

Nonprofit Organization – General

PRACTICE AREAS

Constitutional Law/First Amendment, Litigation, Non-Profit, Reproductive Rights

NUMBER OF LAWYERS

16–25

Duties and Responsibilities

Qualifications

Minimum salary: $110K Salary will be commensurate with experience and includes comprehensive benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, Flexible Spending Account, etc.

We value a truly diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We're committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

PPFA participates in the E-Verify program and is an Equal Opportunity Employer

House Judiciary Committee Democratic Staff Summer Internship Program

 

The House Judiciary Committee Democratic staff are looking for interns for the summer semester. The House Committee on the Judiciary’s staff internship program offers undergraduate students, law students, graduate students, and recent graduates an opportunity to experience the operation of a congressional committee firsthand and learn about the important role that our Committee plays in the legislative process. The Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over a wide range of legislative and oversight issues, including oversight of the U.S. Department of Justice, constitutional law, federal criminal law, voting rights, immigration and naturalization, intellectual property law, and antitrust law. Stipends will be available to summer interns.

 

Intern assignments will vary depending on the work of the Judiciary Committee each semester. Examples of potential responsibilities include:

·        Researching policy issues under the committee’s jurisdiction

·        Conducting legal research

·        Attending briefings and hearings on the Hill

·        Drafting memos

·        Supporting committee counsels

·        Supporting committee clerks and professional staff members

·        Providing administrative support, including answering calls, delivering correspondence, and setting up the hearing room.

The Committee strives to ensure that our internship class reflects the diversity of the country’s population; candidates from minority backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. The Committee does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including marital or parental status, sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, age, or national origin. The deadline to apply for the summer semester is February 15, 2021. This internship is based in Washington, DC. To learn more and apply, click here.

Attorney Advisor, Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties (OPCL)

Trial Attorney, Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD)

Trial Attorney, Criminal Division

Attorney Advisor, Justice Management Division

Section Chief, Environment and Natural Resources Division

Supervisory Attorney Adviser (Complaint Adjudication Officer), Civil Rights Division 

Lead Trial Attorney (Assistant Deputy Chief), Criminal Division

Attorney Advisor, Environment and Natural Resources Division

Trial Attorney, Environment and Natural Resources Division

Trial Attorney (Special Matters), Civil Division

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/us-courts_federal-defender-services-fellowship-program-activity-6877274565433790464-Wjdj/

The Federal Defender Services Program is pleased to announce the launch of its Diversity Fellowship Program and is currently accepting applications. The Fellowship Program will place 12 fellows in Federal Defender host offices across the country for two years, during which fellows will gain federal criminal defense training and experience to allow them to represent clients in non-capital CJA cases. The Fellowship Program will seek to enhance the quality of representation provided under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) by creating a pipeline of diverse attorneys qualified to join Federal Defender Offices or CJA panels.

The application Deadline is January 7th, 2022, with fellows beginning in September of 2022.

For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/e9XQSB_N

Click here to apply: https://lnkd.in/gnkNA7qh

Litigation Counsel

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) seeks a passionate, experienced attorney to lead major litigation efforts by the organization to advance the human and legal rights of people with disabilities consistent with DRM’s vision and mission. We invite applications from attorneys who have a demonstrated commitment to disability and civil rights, and who would be interested in, and capable of, contributing to innovative litigation and policy advocacy in federal and state court and courts of appeal. The Litigation Counsel works closely with the Executive Director and Director of Legal Advocacy and collaborates with DRM’s direct service, policy and communications teams. The attorney must be an experienced litigator with a strong track-record of training, mentoring and supervising attorneys.

Litigation Counsel Job Description 12.15.2021.docx

LEGAL ADVOCACY DIRECTOR

Disability Rights Maryland seeks a Director of Legal Advocacy to work closely with the Executive Director and Litigation Counsel to identify, shape and guide DRM’s broad-based, high-impact advocacy efforts. The Director manages the coordination of DRM’s legal work and advocacy projects and monitors for compliance with all standards for professional practice. DRM’s Managing Attorneys are supervised by the Director of Legal Advocacy Director who is responsible for ensuring professional excellence in the delivery of legal and advocacy services by DRM legal staff. The Director of Legal Advocacy reports directly to the Executive Director.  

Legal Advocacy Director Positing 12.15.2021.docx

This is an updated corrected vacancy announcement link https://www.usajobs.gov/job/627538700.  

The Congressional Research Service would like to share this career opportunity with you and your network. 

Deputy Assistant Director

Open and Close Dates: 12/17/2021 to 01/19/2022

Salary: $132,552 - $199,300 per year

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) seeks a Deputy Assistant Director to operationalize the Assistant Director’s vision in leading and managing the American Law Division (ALD), which addresses all legal questions that arise in a legislative context or are otherwise of interest to Congress. CRS provides confidential, objective, nonpartisan, authoritative, and timely research, analysis, and consultative support exclusively to the U.S. Congress.

The Deputy Assistant Director is part of the executive-level leadership of CRS and will operationalize the Assistant Director’s vision in leading and managing the American Law Division (ALD). Working directly with congressional committees and Members of the House and Senate and their staff, ALD attorneys contribute to an informed national legislature as it considers legal and policy issues of importance to the American people.  Areas of research, analysis, and consultative support include all facets of law in the United States, including administrative, business, civil rights, constitutional, energy, environmental, health, immigration, intellectual property, international, labor, military, national security, procurement, tax, and trade law. ALD attorneys also ensure that the Constitution Annotated of the United States, the official record of the U.S. Constitution, remains accurate and timely through historical research, analysis of current developments in constitutional law, and review and assimilation of practice materials and academic discourse.

On behalf of the Assistant Director, the Deputy Assistant Director ensures optimal operations and administration of the division on both substantive and management matters.  Intellectual curiosity, an ability to learn, creativity, optimism, enthusiasm for public service, solicitude, flexibility, respect for and an ability to execute administrative duties rapidly and accurately, responsiveness, business acumen, and an ability to understand and interpret the strategic vision of another leader are attributes that would contribute to success in this position.

The Deputy Assistant Director assists in monitoring, measuring, and calibrating division research and publication activities in relation to its mission of serving Congress; supports the planning and execution of congressional outreach that ensures that the division is identifying appropriate legal questions facing Congress; follows through with ensuring division operations that provide objective, authoritative, and high quality legal analysis that meets the needs of congressional clients; translates the Assistant Director’s vision into action with respect to intellectual leadership of legal areas within the division’s responsibility; collaborates with other executives and subordinate managers on the CRS mission; and serves with full delegated authority of the Assistant Director in her absence. The Deputy Assistant Director also performs special or sensitive substantive, consultative, or managerial assignments as requested by the Assistant Director.

CRS is fully committed to workforce diversity. Interested applicants must apply online at USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/627538700.    

This position is not eligible for permanent remote telework.

Please help us improve our recruitment efforts by letting us know how you heard about the position.  This question is asked in the application process.