Director, LGBTQ+ Rights & Policy Initiative

Yourlegalaid; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The Legal Aid Society seeks a Director for its LGBTQ+ Law and Policy Initiative in New York, NY. The role leads strategic advocacy, impact litigation, and policy reform across Civil, Juvenile Rights, and Criminal Defense Practice areas to advance LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice.

The candidate should have extensive litigation experience, NY Bar admission, and a strong track record in public outreach, coalition work, and organizational leadership to build cross‑sector partnerships.

Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• Minimum of 7 years legal experience including complex strategic litigation.
• Experience practicing law with a LGBTQ+ and racial justice centering framework.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; public speaking ability.

Responsibilities

• Identify issues for impact litigation across Civil, Juvenile Rights, and Criminal Defense Practice.
• Develop and implement strategic plans addressing LGBTQ+ client issues at city, state, and federal levels.
• Engage in coalition-building with community organizations and government bodies.

Skills

Litigation

Strategic advocacy

Civil rights

Policy reform

Community engagement

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

The Legal Aid Society seeks a Director for its LGBTQ+ Law and Policy Initiative in New York, NY. The role leads strategic advocacy, impact litigation, and policy reform across Civil, Juvenile Rights, and Criminal Defense Practice areas to advance LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice.

The candidate should have extensive litigation experience, NY Bar admission, and a strong track record in public outreach, coalition work, and organizational leadership to build cross‑sector partnerships.