National Democracy Initiative, Sr. Staff Attorney

The Opportunity

Join ALC’s dedicated team of community lawyers, legal professionals, and advocates, as we rise together to build an ever-stronger progressive social justice movement. ALC seeks a dynamic Senior Staff Attorney for our new National Democracy Initiative. At the core of our work lies the commitment to build the power of rapidly growing Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander immigrant communities across the nation–especially in underserved regions beyond California. The Senior Staff Attorney will collaborate with and provide legal expertise on voting rights, immigration, and national security to grassroots organizations. We seek a seasoned community lawyer who values collective community empowerment as highly as legal expertise and litigation, and who will bring a varied skill set in service of partners.

The Senior Staff Attorney will effectively strategize with ALC program team members and identify opportunities for policy advocacy and impact litigation.

We seek a lawyer capable of fostering connections with diverse partners, understanding how ALC’s technical expertise can serve their needs, and igniting collaborative efforts that yield tangible results. If you are poised to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a movement that strives for justice, we invite you to join us. This role reports directly to the Director of the National Democracy Initiative.

The Organization

Asian Law Caucus (ALC) is the nation’s first legal and civil rights organization serving low-income, immigrant, and marginalized Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander communities. Since 1972, ALC has fought to protect access to affordable housing in San Francisco’s Chinatown, litigated high-profile civil rights cases, advocated for the passage of landmark policy changes, and provided an array of services to low-income immigrants and communities of color. Today, with a staff of 60 we bring together legal services, community empowerment, and policy advocacy to fight for immigrant justice, economic security, and a stronger, multiracial democracy. Our work is rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area and California and expands to states across the country, including places where immigrant, Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander communities are rapidly growing.

Primary Responsibilities

Engage in advocacy or litigation on voting rights, immigration, and national security.

Work collaboratively with colleagues across ALC to advance our strategic priorities including expansion of democracy in California.

Research and investigate potential civil rights violations in California and other states to advance advocacy or litigation.

In partnership with ALC colleagues, provide legal and policy advocacy support for local partners, including training, strategy development, and accessible written materials.

In coordination with ALC colleagues, lead and participate in relevant state and national coalitions and nurture trusting, supportive, and constructive relationships with partner organizations.

Coordinate or collaborate with allied national and state-level organizations to provide support and resources to local groups.

Connect community partners with other ALC program areas for mutual learning and benefit.

Contribute to legal research and analysis to inform or guide ALC strategies for litigation and advocacy to build power among immigrant Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander communities.

All ALC staff are expected to participate in regular check-in meetings with their supervisor/supervisees, staff meetings, team meetings, and other organization meetings, as required. This includes two (2) annual retreats, an anniversary celebration dinner, and meetings as needed in the San Francisco Bay area.

The above statements are not intended to encompass all of the position's functions; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of its requirements. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this posting.

Qualifications

JD and active bar membership is required. California bar membership is strongly desired; other bar memberships will be considered.

Demonstrated commitment to social justice, racial equity, immigrant justice, civil rights, and the communities ALC serves.

Substantive experience working with Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander immigrant communities and community organizations on issues, including voting rights, immigration, and national security.

A minimum of seven (7) years of experience as an attorney is required; candidates with fewer years of experience may be considered for a non-senior staff attorney role.

Excellent legal research and drafting skills.

Experience with legal and policy analysis and advocacy.

Enthusiastic and effective relationship-builder with the ability to build and maintain mutual trust and collaboration among diverse community partners and colleagues.

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.

Ability to communicate complex policy concepts with multiple audiences, particularly grassroots community members.

Experience developing or leading strategic legal or policy advocacy campaigns.