Strategic Initiatives Counsel – Racial Justice

NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 147,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) seeks an experienced attorney to join the Strategic Initiatives Department as Assistant or Senior Counsel.

The role focuses on litigation related to policing, public safety, and racial justice, integrating litigation with community organizing and policy advocacy to advance civil rights. The position requires leadership in complex cases, superior research and writing, and the ability to collaborate across legal teams, organizers, and partners.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required and bar admission where applicable.
• Outstanding legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills are essential.
• Experience working with organizers, policy advocates, and non-attorney staff is valued.

Responsibilities

• Litigate racial justice issues in federal/state courts and before administrative bodies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate litigation with community organizing and policy advocacy.
• Lead and supervise litigation teams and advise on complex civil rights cases.
• Draft petitions, merits briefs, and amicus briefs affecting civil rights and public policy.
• Travel as necessary and contribute to strategic plans using litigation and advocacy.

Skills

Litigation

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Public speaking

Policy advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) seeks an experienced attorney to join the Strategic Initiatives Department as Assistant or Senior Counsel.

The role focuses on litigation related to policing, public safety, and racial justice, integrating litigation with community organizing and policy advocacy to advance civil rights. The position requires leadership in complex cases, superior research and writing, and the ability to collaborate across legal teams, organizers, and partners.