Senior Counsel — Civil Rights Litigation Leader

Legal Defense Fund; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 164,000 - 224,000; Full time

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 of Litigation or a Deputy Director of Litigation.

LDF operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring in-office presence at least two days per week. The role involves litigating in federal and state courts, drafting petitions and briefs, mentoring

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of litigation experience and bar admission in NY, DC, or GA.
• Commitment to the racial justice mission of LDF.
• Supervisory and case management experience with attorneys and staff.

Responsibilities

• Litigate racial justice issues in federal and state courts and before administrative bodies.
• Lead and supervise case teams and manage complex civil rights matters.
• Draft petitions, merits briefs, and amicus briefs for high-impact cases.
• Investigate claims, oversee discovery, hearings, and appeals.
• Collaborate with policy team to advance LDF’s agenda.
• Represent LDF in media, conferences, and public forums.
• Build relationships with community partners and legal allies.

Skills

Litigation experience

Public speaking

Team leadership

Policy advocacy

Research and writing

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Bar admission or eligibility (NY/DC/GA)

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 of Litigation or a Deputy Director of Litigation.

LDF operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring in-office presence at least two days per week. The role involves litigating in federal and state courts, drafting petitions and briefs, mentoring