Strategic Litigation Director — National Impact

Southern Environmental Law Center; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 188,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation reimbursement

Excellent benefits package

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Southern Environmental Law Center seeks a Litigation Strategy Director, a senior leader responsible for strategy, standards, and professional development to sustain top-tier nationwide litigation. The role reports to the Chief Program Officer and collaborates withManaging Directors and other strategy directors.

The director guides institution-wide litigation strategy, ethics, and resource deployment, while engaging directly on select matters to strengthen SELC’s work.

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of litigation experience with first-chair responsibility.
• Active license to practice law in SELC's states or Washington, DC.
• Strong command of civil procedure, remedies, and professional responsibility.
• Sound judgment in high-stakes litigation decisions (file, settle, appeal).
• Proven track record developing litigators and leading junior to senior attorneys.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with clients and colleagues.
• Ability and willingness to travel to SELC offices and other locations.
• Commitment to an equitable and inclusive workplace across our region.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Program Officer and other leaders to integrate litigation into program plans and advocacy.
• Advise on litigation strategy, strengthen significant filings, and prepare for arguments.
• Approve major litigation decisions and oversee litigation for the Board.
• Monitor legal and procedural developments and manage associated risks with GC input.
• Supervise and mentor litigators to grow sound judgment and advocacy.
• Set priorities for litigation training and professional development.
• Assess litigation capacity and advise on senior hires and resource deployment.
• Coordinate strategy with national and regional partners and clients.
• Represent SELC's litigation work with donors, press, and the public.

Skills

Litigation strategy

Legal judgment

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team mentoring

Travel willingness

Public-interest passion

Education

Licensed attorney

Job description

Southern Environmental Law Center seeks a Litigation Strategy Director, a senior leader responsible for strategy, standards, and professional development to sustain top-tier nationwide litigation. The role reports to the Chief Program Officer and collaborates withManaging Directors and other strategy directors.

The director guides institution-wide litigation strategy, ethics, and resource deployment, while engaging directly on select matters to strengthen SELC’s work.