Litigation Director

Hybrid remote work schedule: 3 days in office/field and 2 days remote Base office: in any PLS location

Position Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $89,618- $121,672 plus great benefits

Reports to: Chief Program Officer

Pisgah Legal Services seeks a passionate, experienced, talented lawyer to lead and support our staff in litigation on behalf of our clients. This position is an amazing opportunity to join a great team, and deliver impact that is meaningful in the lives of many low-income residents of Western North Carolina.

Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) is a community-based non-profit legal aid agency governed by a local Board of Directors. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina (WNC), Pisgah Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income people in WNC. We have offices in Asheville, Brevard, Burnsville, Hendersonville, Highlands-Cashiers, Marshall, Newland, and Rutherfordton. With over 120 dedicated staff, including over 30 attorneys plus program staff, and an active group of 200 volunteer attorneys, we provide free services to over 20,000 people per year to meet their basic (and often urgent) needs, primarily in the poverty law areas of housing, public benefits, domestic violence prevention, health care, immigration, and consumer law.

Western North Carolina was hit hard by Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. Both our clients and our staff were challenged by the natural disaster. PLS has emerged from that crisis with renewed dedication to helping our clients, many of whom are still impacted by Helene. We have added a significant disaster assistance program to our other services as part of our response.

PLS is seeking a full-time N.C. licensed attorney to serve as a Litigation Director. The Litigation Director will lead PLS’s litigation efforts, overseeing complex and impactful cases that advance the organization’s mission. This role includes managing litigation strategies, supporting staff attorneys, and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders. In addition to litigation responsibilities, the Litigation Director will take on special projects and organizational initiatives as needs arise, contributing to PLS's continued growth and responsiveness to community needs. This position will be expected to practice in a variety of local, state and federal court and administrative systems.

Responsibilities

• Commitment to PLS’ mission, values and vision.
• Lead and develop strategic impact litigation and advocacy initiatives to address systemic injustices and responsiveness to Hurricane Helene recovery.
• Collaborate with Managing Attorneys on a variety of poverty law issues and trends.
• Provide high quality legal services and carry a caseload and co-counsel as appropriate.
• Support staff attorneys in managing complex cases, including trial preparation and appellate advocacy.
• Provide legal analysis and advice on potential litigation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and professional standards in all legal work.
• Mentor and train staff attorneys on litigation best practices and professional development and support law students and volunteer attorneys as needed.
• Manage teams and supervise staff when assigned by the Executive Director.
• Conduct regular case reviews to provide guidance and feedback.
• Support legal teams in effectively utilizing resources and navigating challenging cases.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to align litigation efforts with organizational goals.
• Represent PLS in public forums, coalitions, and with community partners to advocate for clients and systemic change.
• Assist with program planning, grant reporting, and organizational development.
• Take on special initiatives, including research, policy analysis, or program development, as directed by the Executive Director.
• Provide leadership in responding to emerging community needs and crises.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Current North Carolina law license or eligibility to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire.
• 10 years or more of legal experience preferred, including substantial complex litigation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex litigation, including appellate practice.
• Commitment to social justice and serving low-income and marginalized communities.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in legal aid, civil rights, or public interest law.
• Knowledge of the unique legal challenges facing rural communities.

Salary/ Benefits

Salary ranges from $89,618- $121,672 depending on experience. Additional bilingual language skills that are applicable to this role may qualify for up to an additional $3k upon completing a language assessment test. Our salary scale is predetermined based on the years of relative professional work experience that qualify for this position to ensure equity in pay.

Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage the 1st of the month following the start date. Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) pays 100% of the Employee and 50% of the Dependent Cost for BCBS Medical and Dental coverage. PLS pays 50% of the Employee Coverage Cost for BCBS Vision coverage. PLS pays 100% of Long-Term & Short-Term Disability Coverage, Life Insurance Coverage of 5x base salary an additional $15,000 Life & AD&D Coverage. 401k Retirement Plan after 6 months of employment. Additional Fringe Benefits includes Pet Insurance, Paid Parental Leave, Paid Bereavement Leave, 13.5 Company Holidays, 22 Paid Leave Days, Paid Sabbatical Leave for eligible staff, Employee Assistance Program for entire household and a great working environment with work life balance! View our 2025 Benefits Guide here.

To Apply

Submit your online application with resume and cover letter through our Career Center located at

https://www.pisgahlegal.org/jobs

PLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice.

Pisgah Legal Services is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with our Human Resources department.