Strategic Litigation Advocacy Director

04-May-2022

Harvard Law School

58283BR

Job Summary

The Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice (CHHIRJ) at Harvard Law School aims to be the nation’s premier race and justice center. Our team seeks to wield the power of law, research, and community to pursue the contemporary frontiers of race and justice work. CHHIRJ is looking for an experienced attorney who has the perspective, expertise, and people skills to serve as our first Strategic Litigation & Advocacy Director. 

Our Strategic Litigation & Advocacy Director will help our team identify and counter legal and advocacy trends in the race and justice space, including on issues of voting rights, diversity in education, race and the market (housing, employment, lending), criminal justice, and race and technology. The Director will serve as a resource for monitoring relevant legal developments, as a thought partner for confronting relevant doctrinal issues, and as lead counsel in impact litigation where appropriate. While the Director will focus primarily on developing a strategic advocacy approach for CHHIRJ and creating legal educational opportunities for students, we anticipate that the Director will also routinely work with the Institute’s peers and partners in the broader legal and advocacy communities. 

Position Description

As Strategic Litigation & Advocacy Director, you will: 

• Facilitate and manage pro bono partnerships with law firms and other external legal organizations to support CHHIRJ efforts and provide educational opportunities for law school students. 

• Assemble and coordinate teams to litigate such cases, and, where appropriate, supervise or serve as lead counsel in that litigation. 

• Identify opportunities to drive valuable statutory and other changes in law and legal structures related to race and justice. 

• Work with peer organizations to improve and coordinate advocacy on issues of common concern, including advocacy before the Supreme Court of the United States. 

• Develop systems and partnerships to track legal trends that impact substantive race and justice work and identify opportunities for impact litigation. 

• Serve as a resource to CHHIRJ leadership and staff to improve our written and oral advocacy on strategically important legal and advocacy issues. 

• Represent CHHIRJ as a thought leader to peer organizations and external audiences at public events. 

Basic Qualifications

J.D. with 7+ years of relevant experience, and admission to the Massachusetts bar or eligible for temporary admission pursuant to Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have: 

• Experience in substantive race and justice, civil rights, and/or anti-discrimination law litigation and advocacy 

• The ability to collaborate and build partnerships within the Harvard Law School community and with external partners. 

• Ability to effectively manage and lead a diverse team, developing team skills and talents to meet the evolving needs of an organization. 

• A commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture. 

• Experience working with law students valuable, but not necessary. 

• Ability and willingness to travel as needed. 

Additional Information

This is a term appointment expected to extend one year from start date with potential for renewal, subject to departmental funding and need.

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School  is a place where you can thrive.

Job Function

General Administration

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

365059 Legal Professional

Department

Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice (CHHIRJ)

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity, License/Cert.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.