Director of Litigation

NOW HIRING: DIRECTOR OF LITIGATION

Apply at : https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/47be28c3-a5c7-4b34-b6b4-89ec95cd3c0d/North-Carolina-Justice-Center

Job Overview:

The Director of Litigation is responsible for providing oversight and direction for the litigation work of the North Carolina Justice Center to ensure that our litigation effectively furthers the NC Justice Center’s mission, and the goals and objectives set for our work and that we provide the highest quality representation to our clients. The NC Justice Center is a leading nonprofit dedicated to eliminating poverty in North Carolina by ensuring that every household has access to the resources, services, and fair treatment needed to achieve economic security. Effective performance of this job requires a person who is an effective communicator and passionate about fostering a positive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Case Development
  • Oversee the NC Justice Center’s litigation program
  • Develop litigation and advocacy strategies to identify systemic issues to help achieve the organization’s mission.
  • Serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in impact cases and coordinate and advise on all levels of litigation
  • Develop and maintain significant litigation caseload; earn attorney fees to support the organization’s budget.
  • Develop and maintain expertise in all areas of the NC Justice Center’s litigation with specific expertise in one or more of the NC Justice Center’s substantive policy areas.
  • Source grants to fund litigation efforts.
• Leadership and Supervision
  • Supervise and provide support to NC Justice Center litigation attorneys and paralegals to ensure provision of high-quality legal services.
  • Ensure the professional development of litigation staff, including identifying training needs and opportunities.
  • Work closely with and maintain relationships with pro bono and private bar co-counsel
  • Collaborate in a leadership role within the legal services community and broader legal community in North Carolina, including developing and maintaining relationships within the social justice community, the private bar, potential funders, and other nonprofit agencies
• Senior Management Team Member
  • Participate in organizational decision-making
  • Offer leadership, strategic and creative thinking with other Senior Management Team members to respond to staff concerns.
  • Working with other managers and key NC Justice Center staff, play a major role in setting the goals and agenda for the organization.
  • Represent NC Justice Center in meetings with funders, community partners, advocacy groups, Courts, government agencies; serve as a voice for the legal services community and NC Justice Center’s client population concerning access to justice in North Carolina.
  • Provide legal and compliance advice to the Executive Director across a wide range of issues, including employment law, contract law, non-profit governance, and risk-management

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership of the North Carolina Bar.
• Ten years of professional experience in complex litigation in social justice or public interest law.
• Understanding of the legal and policy issues affecting low-income individuals and communities
• Five years of experience in management role, with full supervisory responsibilities
• A passionate commitment to DEI principles.

Licenses and Certifications:

• NC Bar

Competencies and Skills:

• Strong commitment to social justice, equity, and human rights
• Excellent legal research, writing and analytical skills
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-lawyers clearly and effectively
• Strategic thinking with a proactive and solutions-orientated approach
• Advanced leadership practice skills
• High ethical standards, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality
• Ability to successfully work in a fast-paced highly collaborative work environment
• Advanced level Microsoft 365 Office Suite skills

Physical Requirements:

The employee should have the ability to maintain focus and productivity while performing sedentary tasks at a workstation for prolonged periods, including working on a computer, managing documents, or engaging in virtual meetings.

Work Environment:

Hybrid, and other offsite meeting spaces, as required. Weekend and evening work may be required. Travel is required.

Benefits:

The NC Justice Center offers an extraordinary benefits package including affordable health insurance, a retirement plan, professional development opportunities, and six weeks of personal time off.