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 serves as the primary legal advisor for the North Carolina Justice Center (NCJC). The NCJC 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. The Director ensures legal compliance, mitigates risk, and supports the NCJC mission by providing strategic legal counsel on governance, employment laws, contracts, policy advocacy, and regulatory matters. The Director plays a key role in safeguarding the legal integrity of the organization while supporting its advocacy, litigation, and operational goals. Effective performance of this job requires a person who is an effective communicator and passionate about fostering a positive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. Legal Strategy and Compliance
   • Provide legal guidance on nonprofit governance, corporate compliance and risk management.
   • Develop internal policies to ensure legal and ethical operations.
   • Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local laws governing nonprofits, including tax-exempt status, lobbying limitations, and reporting obligations.
   • Ensure compliance with employment laws.
2. Oversee the whole legal practice at NCJC
   • Lead selected litigation cases.
   • Supervision responsibilities are dominant in this role. In addition to direct supervision of several staff, this role has cross functional oversight for all practicing attorneys at NCJC.
   • Manage relationship with private Bar and pro bono coordination.
3. Serves as Liaison to the NC Bar Association for any complaints against NCJC attorneys.
4. Funds Development
   • Manage the Interest on Lawyers Trust Account grant.
   • Source new grants to support litigation activities.
5. Contract Management and Negotiation
   • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including vendor agreements, Memorandums of Understanding, grants, and partnership agreements. Ensure that contracts align with NCJC mission, financial interests and legal obligations.
6. Advocacy and Litigation Support
   • Provide legal support for advocacy campaigns, policy initiatives, and legislative efforts.
   • Collaborate with external counsel on litigation strategies and case management, when necessary.
   • Ensure compliance with laws related to lobbying, grassroots advocacy and political activity.
7. Board and Executive Leadership Support
   • Serve as legal advisor to the Board of Directors, preparing governance documents, bylaws, and policies.
   • Assist in structuring board meetings and ensuring compliance with fiduciary duties and governance best practices.
8. Risk Management and Crisis Response
   • Identify and mitigate legal risks affecting the organization’s programs and operations.
   • Lead crisis response efforts related to legal matters.
9. Collaboration and External Engagement

• Liaise with government agencies, funders, community organizations, advocacy groups, and mission-driven nonprofits.

1. Represent NCJC in legal matters and public engagements, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
2. Active membership of the North Carolina Bar.
3. Ten years of progressive legal practice experience, with a strong background in social justice or public interest law.
4. Five years of experience in management role, with full supervisory responsibilities within a private, government, or nonprofit law practice.
5. Knowledge of non-profit governance, tax-exempt compliance, and employment law.
6. A passionate commitment to DEI principles.

Licenses and Certifications

1. NC Bar

Competencies and Skills

1. Strong commitment to social justice, equity, and human rights.
2. Excellent legal research, writing and analytical skills.
3. Ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-lawyers clearly and effectively.
4. Strategic thinking with a proactive and solutions-orientated approach.
5. Advanced leadership practice skills.
6. High ethical standards, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
7. Ability to successfully work in a fast-paced highly collaborative work environment.
8. 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

Home, corporate offices and other offsite meeting spaces, as required. Weekend and evening work may be required.

Benefits

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

NCJC is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer

NCJC is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, personal appearance, marital or family status, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, natural hair styles, or other status as protected by State and Federal laws. It is our intention to promote the full realization of equality in opportunity and employment. We are a Fair Chance Employer and work to reduce barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records. It is our intention to promote the full realization of equality in opportunity and employment.

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