Legal Director-ACLU of Alabama

Affiliate Offices
Alabama

April 26, 2012
Legal Director
ACLU of Alabama
 
     The ACLU of Alabama (ACLU-AL) invites applications for a full-time Legal Director position in our office in Montgomery beginning June 1, 2012. The ACLU-AL is the state affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union, the country’s largest civil liberties and civil rights organization.
 
     Founded in 1965 in the birthplace of the civil rights movement, the ACLU of Alabama engages in legal, legislative and public education programs aimed at promoting and defending civil liberties in Alabama. The Legal Director should anticipate working in a wide variety of civil liberties areas, including but not limited to racial justice, prisoner rights, reproductive freedom, LGBT rights, immigrants’ rights and religious freedom.
 
     The Legal Director will report to the Executive Director. The position of Legal Director requires a willingness to work beyond the 9 to 5 hours of the normal work day, including evening and weekend meetings and events. 
 
Job Description:
  • Conduct complex litigation in Federal and State court in civil rights and constitutional law, including all aspects of discovery, motion practice, briefs, trials, appellate work and amicus briefs;
  • Research civil liberties issues, write legal memoranda, demand letters and advocacy letters;
  • Identify and research issues related to legislation, ordinances, agency rules and regulations, draft and deliver testimony on such matters;
  • Work with the Executive Director and other staff to conduct integrated advocacy campaigns;
  • Recruit and coordinate the work of ACLU volunteer attorneys to assist in case evaluation and litigation;
  • Convene lawyer’s committee meetings, recruit highly qualified members;
  • Recruit and supervise law students and student interns;
  • Develop and maintain relationships with legal staff at the National ACLU, its projects, and other affiliates and participate in National ACLU legal conferences;
  • Develop and maintain relationships with legal services agencies, law firms, and other public interest attorneys in Alabama;
  • Maintain the legal docket;
  • Prepare regular reports to the Executive Director of significant legal activities; keep the Executive Director informed of significant legal developments and controversies;
  • Create and oversee systems to professionally review, evaluate and respond to phone and mail intake;
  • Work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to identify advocacy goals and strategies for achieving them;
  • Engage in public speaking, write articles on legal matters for the organization’s newsletter, and articulate the ACLU’s views to the public on a broad range of issues;
  • As directed by the Executive Director, the Legal Director may be asked to assist with fundraising and other tasks to promote the organization and its mission, including funding to support law fellowships and special advocacy projects 
 
Qualifications:
  • J.D. with 5 years of relevant litigation experience (although more recent law school graduates with exceptional abilities and experience will be considered);
  • Applicants should be members of the Alabama Bar or prepared to obtain admission as soon as possible;
  • Demonstrated commitment to the preservation and vigorous enforcement of civil liberties. Firm commitment to the principles of the ACLU;
  • Excellent writing, research, analytical and public speaking skills;
  • Substantive knowledge and understanding of constitutional law and civil liberties issues;
  • Strong self-motivation; superb organizational skills; detail oriented with strong follow-through and the ability to meet tight deadlines;
  • Computer proficient
  • Ability to work collaboratively and to work in a small office with little support staff
 
Leading applicants will have demonstrated:
  • Ability to develop and implement litigation strategies;
  • The facility for managing in a non-profit environment, including coordinating with others outside of the ACLU;
  • Leadership skills and the ability to motivate others; experience in successfully directing volunteer attorneys;
  • Ability to think creatively and to use non-litigation strategies to promote objectives, including building coalitions with ally organizations, lobbying and developing public education programs;
  • Experience working with diverse communities, clients and coalition partners
 
Salary and Benefits:
Salary shall be commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits provided.
 
Application Procedure:
All applications are treated confidentially. Interested candidates should send the following: (1) a letter of interest; (2) resume; (3) legal writing sample; and (4) list of three professional references, including contact information to Marisa Grant, ACLU of Alabama Office Manager, at mgrant@aclualabama.org.
 
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
 
The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Minorities, women, LBGT individuals, persons with disabilities and persons over 55 are encouraged to apply.
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