What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Criminal Justice Project position at Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law?
The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation's leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers' Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.
Job Title : Director, Criminal Justice Project
Location : Washington, DC
Job Type : Full-Time
Accountable To : Acting Co-Chief Counsel
About the Role :
The Criminal Justice Project (CJP) works to address racial disparities within the criminal justice system, including those that contribute to mass incarceration. CJP employs several legal and community-based strategies to achieve these goals. Much of CJP's work is through impact litigation, and it also partners with the Lawyers' Committee's Policy Project to advocate for changes in law and policy that further its mission.
The Lawyers' Committee seeks a proven leader with demonstrated expertise as a criminal justice advocate to lead CJP. The Director will spearhead the organization's national efforts, overseeing all aspects of our criminal justice litigation and programs. The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to racial justice, cultural competency, experience working with underserved and marginalized communities, substantial litigation experience, and substantial professional experience affording insight into the criminal justice system.
What You'll be Doing :
Responsibilities of the Director, Criminal Justice Project include but are not limited to :
- Developing, managing, and leading all aspects of CJP's litigation docket, public policy work, and criminal justice initiatives.
- Working with Lawyers' Committee leadership to develop and implement CJP's strategic direction.
- Identifying CJP's priorities and ensuring that the Project's resources are used effectively.
- Monitoring nationwide criminal justice issues and identifying opportunities to expand CJP's impact.
- Supervising CJP staff, which is comprised of the Associate Director, Counsel, Investigators, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Law Fellows, and Legal Interns.
- Supervising litigation activities, including investigations, assessment of potential legal claims, identifying potential clients and managing client relationships, drafting and editing litigation documents, carrying out discovery, oral arguments, witness examinations, and handling expert witnesses.
- Supervising, managing, and reviewing the non-litigation work of CJP staff, including research, report writing, advocacy, program development, and compliance with ethical rules and timekeeping requirements.
- Working with Pro Bono Attorneys and other Co-Counsel supporting the Project's active docket.
- Engaging in externally facing activities, including :
Public speaking at events, conferences, or meetings of national or regional significance.
Minimum Requirements and Competencies :
Required qualifications of this position include but are not limited to :
Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!
Apply Today : Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.
Benefits : The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion : The Lawyers' Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers' Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, parental status, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, immigration status, union activities, political affiliation, military veteran status, credit information or any other status protected under law.
The expected range for this role will be : $140,000-$192,000 annually
Salary : $140,000 - $192,000
