Staff Attorney-ACLU of Alaska
May 3, 2011
Position Vacancy
Staff Attorney
The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska invites applications for the position of Staff Attorney. The ACLU of Alaska and ACLU of Alaska Foundation are nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations dedicated to advancing the cause of civil liberties in Alaska through public education, legal action, legislative and political advocacy, and coalition building and grassroots organizing. We are affiliated with the American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU Foundation, the nation's oldest and largest organizations dedicated to advocacy, public education, and litigation in support of constitutional rights and civil liberties.
Position Description:
The Staff Attorney will report to the Legal Director, and is part of the ACLU of Alaska Legal Department, which coordinates all litigation and legal research and investigation for the Affiliate. Under the direction of the Legal Director, the Staff Attorney’s primary responsibility will be research, writing memoranda, correspondence and complex pleadings, and assisting in all litigation functions. Travel, as well as work on nights and weekends, may be required.
Qualifications:
- Broad substantive knowledge of constitutional law and a strong and demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights required; additionally, knowledge of Alaska Native legal issues is preferred.
- Exceptional analytic, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, including the capacity to research and think quickly under pressure.
- JD from an accredited law school; Member of the Alaska State Bar (waivable for excellent candidate able and willing to sit for Alaska Bar at earliest opportunity).
- Ability to analyze and articulate legal concepts, and other complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences.
- Applicants should be self-motivated, organized, diligent, and have the proven ability to work with a diverse range of people and strong personalities.
- Legal administrative skills, including assisting in the supervision of paralegals, law clerks, and interns, and coordinating with others inside and outside the ACLU.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other basic software programs, and experience with Westlaw required.
- 1 to 3 years of experience litigating constitutional issues preferred.
- Strong consideration given to applicants with federal or state law clerk experience.
- Commitment to the mission of the ACLU and the advancement of civil liberties under the U.S. and Alaska Constitutions.
- Knowledge of and commitment to living in Alaska.
- Ability or desire for public speaking, coalition and advocacy work, and to represent ACLU of Alaska positions to the public generally is preferred.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Research civil liberties issues, prepare legal memoranda, pleadings, demand letters, and other written work product; significant discovery and law and motion practice.
- Participate directly in litigation, in federal and state court, at trial and appellate level.
- Review and investigate intake complaints, and referrals from agencies and attorneys; identify and recommend cases for impact litigation, to include assisting in interactions with clients and witnesses as needed.
- Assist in presentation of cases to the Litigation Committee and Board for evaluation and authorization of litigation, and in preparation of related Reports.
- Develop and maintain relationships with legal staff at the national ACLU, its projects and other Affiliates; participate in national ACLU legal conferences and maintain the requisite CLE requirements.
- Assist Legal Director in working with cooperating attorneys, to include securing services/ expanding pool of attorneys, monitoring litigation, and providing back-up as needed.
- Assist in obtaining and supervising law clerks, paralegals, legal interns, law students, and other legal volunteers.
- Assist in ACLU of Alaska advocacy, outreach and fundraising, as needed.
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation is commensurate with experience within the parameters of Alaska non-profit environment, and includes generous benefits.
Application Process:
Your application should include a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references. Please provide two writing samples, with at least one being a legal research memo, brief, or article. Applicants who graduated from law school within the past five years should include a law school transcript. Send to:
Tom Stenson, Legal Director
ACLU of Alaska Foundation
1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 207
Anchorage, AK 99503-1760
ACLU of Alaska Foundation
1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 207
Anchorage, AK 99503-1760
Applications may also be submitted by fax to (907) 258-0288, or by email to akclu@akclu.org. Inquiries should include “Staff Attorney Applicant” in the reference field, and all attachments should be in Microsoft Word or .pdf.
Application deadline is May 15, 2011, or until the position is filled. Review of applications shall begin upon receipt.
The ACLU of Alaska is an affirmative action employer, and recruits, employs, retains, and promotes persons in a manner that does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, veteran status, or physical or mental ability which is unrelated to job performance. All interested individuals, including Alaska Native, racial and ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBT persons are encouraged to apply.