Supervising Attorney—Civil Rights Clinic

Howard University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Career advancement

Job summary

Howard University in Washington, DC seeks a supervising attorney to lead the Civil Rights Clinic. You will supervise student attorneys, manage a docket of civil rights cases, and handle litigation tasks from pleadings to briefs.

The role requires a J.D. and at least three years of civil rights experience, with bar admission in at least one state. You will collaborate on curriculum, supervise students, engage with co-counsel and clients, and contribute to program growth.

Qualifications

• J.D. and bar admission in at least one state.
• At least three years of relevant civil rights litigation experience.
• Experience supervising student attorneys is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise student attorneys and manage a docket of Civil Rights cases.
• Draft and edit pleadings, merits briefs, amicus briefs, and other litigation-related tasks.
• Collaborate on curriculum development, course design, teaching and all other responsibilities related to the Civil Rights Clinic under the direction of the director of the Civil Rights Clinic and Director of the Clinical Law Center.
• Manage external relationships, including with co-counsel.
• Participate in Clinical Law Center programming and events including open houses, orientations, faculty meetings, guest speakers, symposia, special events, and outreach activities.
• Manage data related to the Civil Rights Clinic, including client files.
• Other duties may include advising students academically and assisting students regarding career opportunities and fulfilling administrative duties as assigned or necessary.

Skills

Civil rights litigation

Supervise students

Legal writing

Oral communication

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

The purpose of this position is to serve as a supervising attorney in the Howard University School of Law Civil Rights Clinic.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

This position has no direct reports; the candidate will supervise student attorneys within the Clinical Law Center.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, staff, and students in the School of Law and other University departments. External contacts may include clients of the Clinical Law Center, government officials, co-counsel, other attorneys, alumni and the public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• In collaboration with the director of the Civil Rights Clinic, supervise student attorneys and manage a docket of Civil Rights cases.
• Manage all aspects of Civil Rights litigation, including drafting and editing pleadings, merits briefs, amicus briefs and other litigation-related tasks.
• Collaborate with others on curriculum development, course design, teaching and all other responsibilities related to the Civil Rights Clinic under the direction of the director of the Civil Rights Clinic and Director of the Clinical Law Center.
• Manage external relationships, including with co-counsel.
• Participate in Clinical Law Center programming and events including, but not limited to, open houses, orientations, faculty meetings, guest speakers, symposia, special events, and outreach activities.
• Manage data related to the Civil Rights Clinic, including client files.
• Other duties may include advising students academically and assisting students regarding career opportunities and fulfilling administrative duties as assigned or necessary.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• A J.D. and at least 3 years of experience handling civil rights litigation or representing clients (3+ years of experience preferred, and clerkships may be considered as relevant experience)
• Experience conducting civil rights litigation or advocacy, including complex litigation in the federal courts or state appellate courts.
• Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and direct students
• Strong academic credentials
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Membership in a state bar
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, civil and human rights, and working with a diverse group of constituencies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctorate degree
• At least three years of relevant legal experience
• Bar admission in at least one state

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$135,000-$165,000