Senior Civil Rights Litigator

Legal Defense Fund; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 157,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Hybrid work environment

Professional development

Job summary

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) seeks an experienced Senior Counsel to join the Litigation Department. The Senior Counsel will strategize on civil rights matters and lead case teams across LDF’s docket, reporting to the Director or Deputy Director of Litigation.

LDF operates in a hybrid work environment with in-office presence required at least two days per week. The role emphasizes leadership, advocacy, and public engagement in a high-impact civil rights program.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of litigation experience and bar admission in NY/DC/GA.
• Outstanding legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Broad litigation experience at trial and appellate levels; class actions a plus.
• Federal/state advocacy experience related to reform for communities of color.
• Effective public speaking and ability to work collaboratively or independently.

Responsibilities

• Litigate racial justice issues across diverse dockets.
• Lead and supervise complex case teams and staff.
• Draft petitions, briefs, and memos for courts and agencies.
• Investigate claims, manage discovery, hearings, and appeals.
• Support policy team with strategy and advocacy.
• Represent LDF in media, conferences, and public venues.
• Develop relationships with partners and allies.
• Travel as needed; contribute to strategic plans.

Skills

Litigation experience

Oral advocacy

Bar admission

Public speaking

Supervisory experience

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) seeks an experienced Senior Counsel to join the Litigation Department. The Senior Counsel will strategize on civil rights matters and lead case teams across LDF’s docket, reporting to the Director or Deputy Director of Litigation.

LDF operates in a hybrid work environment with in-office presence required at least two days per week. The role emphasizes leadership, advocacy, and public engagement in a high-impact civil rights program.