Directing Attorney – Temporary

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +11 more states.

📋 Description

• Take the initiative to lead the development and execution of intricate litigation.

• Recognize strategic legal opportunities and create new avenues for litigation.

• Oversee investigations, conduct legal research, engage with clients, and manage pleadings, motions, memoranda, briefs, discovery, expert consultations, negotiations, trials, appeals, and public communications.

• Advocate for plaintiffs and clients across various jurisdictions.

• Direct the implementation of remedies and settlements, including monitoring compliance and maintaining communication with clients and monitors.

• Manage the costs associated with litigation and recovery of fees.

• Recruit and coordinate co-counsel, including pro bono attorneys.

• Negotiate agreements with co-counsel and retainer contracts.

• Supervise the legal practice for cases and manage the staff of co-counsel firms.

• Represent NCYL at national conferences, in media, and at other external venues.

• Oversee case budgets and contribute to fundraising and development initiatives.

• Collaborate with litigation directors, managing directors, senior directors, and other staff on litigation aligned with the organization’s mission.

• Supervise senior attorneys, staff attorneys, paralegals, fellows, and law clerks as necessary.

• Report to the co-directors of litigation.

• Assist with additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required.

• Must be a member in good standing of the bar in at least one state.

• A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience since graduation from law school, or 10 years with proven success in leading impactful litigation from inception to reform implementation across at least three jurisdictions.

• Knowledge of and experience in complex litigation concerning children’s civil rights and public systems impacting children and youth.

• Awareness of the role of structural racism and bias within public systems.

• In-depth subject matter expertise in at least one area pertinent to NCYL.

• Experience in generating and leading complex civil litigation with significant impact across multiple jurisdictions/forums.

• Proven ability to build rapport and respect with diverse youth and their families.

• Exceptional research, writing, analytical, and innovative problem-solving abilities.

• Experience drafting complex motions and briefs.

• Strong, articulate, and persuasive oral communication skills.

• Highly organized, self-driven, and detail-oriented.

• Capable of working both independently and collaboratively.

• Ability to align litigation development with other advocacy strategies.

• Proficient in collaborating with NCYL staff to further organizational objectives.

• Aptitude for managing and expanding relationships with external partners.

• Capacity to develop novel legal theories or extend existing precedents.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills for complex initiatives.

• Effective and dedicated supervisor and mentor.

• Deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Ability to apply a racial and social justice perspective to advocacy while centering marginalized voices.

• Strong commitment to the mission and goals of NCYL.

• Candidates must reside in California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC, or Wisconsin; Minnesota and Washington State are currently accepting registrations.

• A litigation-based writing sample is required.

• A cover letter and resume are required.

• Some travel may be necessary.

• Must be able to endure prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Proficiency in English is required; fluency in an additional language is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Life insurance.

• Generous vacation and sick leave benefits.

• Flexible spending account.

• Commuter benefits.

• Employer contribution towards a retirement plan.

• Short-term disability insurance.

• Long-term disability insurance.

• At-will employment.

• Bargaining unit representation provided by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW).