Managing Attorney

The Social Justice Legal Foundation (https://www.socialjusticelaw.org/), an impact litigation nonprofit, is looking for an experienced litigator to oversee its docket of civil rights cases throughout California and nationwide. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Managing Attorney will supervise our legal fellows, steer several major cases for the Foundation, and investigate and develop new areas of litigation that further our mission. This is an opportunity for an energetic and driven litigator to lead a small but mighty team pursuing a new model of public-interest work.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years’ experience litigating complex cases and a passion for social justice and civil rights issues.

This position is based in Los Angeles, California, with a hybrid in-office and remote schedule. We will consider exceptionally qualified candidates who are not local but are able to join us in Los Angeles soon.

WHO WE ARE
The Social Justice Legal Foundation is a nonprofit impact litigation firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and economic justice. We do this by bringing precedent-setting cases designed for trial and by training the next generation of civil rights litigators through our two-year fellowships.

Since its inception in 2021, the Foundation has grown from a two-person operation to a team of experienced litigators. Working with our founding law firm, academics, and organizers, we bring strategic litigation where we can do the greatest good within broader movements. Our active docket tackles police practices, conditions of immigrant detention, civil liberties in jails, and punitive fines that trap people in a cycle of debt.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Litigation management and strategy (75%)

• With the Executive Director, developing and overseeing the Foundation’s litigation portfolio, including by selecting cases and identifying areas for growth and collaboration
• Serving as lead counsel on several Foundation cases, including by participating in all aspects of discovery, motion practice, client relationships, and trial preparation

Development and communications (25%)

• Developing the litigation skills of our fellows, providing feedback on their work, and identifying additional training opportunities
• Expanding relationships with peer organizations, academics, activists, and organizers
• Educating the public about the Foundation’s strategic litigation, including through the Foundation’s website, media interviews, public speaking, and other channels

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and requirements:

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school
• License to practice law in California, or alternatively, license to practice in another state and willingness to take the California bar exam

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of litigation experience preferred, with a strong preference for candidates who have successfully managed complex civil cases at all stages
• Substantial experience with civil discovery and brief-writing
• Experience arguing issues before federal and state trial courts
• Experience managing more junior attorneys strongly preferred

Personal Traits and Attributes:

• Passion for The Social Justice Legal Foundation’s mission and role in achieving social change, and in particular a genuine desire to use high-impact civil litigation within broader movements for social change
• Interest in and commitment to mentoring fellows and more junior staff
• Cultural humility, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence
• Understanding of the interconnected nature of the issues we address and interest in tracking and investigating those issues
• Ability to contribute as needed to the growth and inclusive culture of a small nonprofit
• A sense of humor and a willingness to have fun while doing good, meaningful work

WHAT WE OFFER
The salary for this position is $140,000–$160,000 based on experience. We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits and employer contributions to a 403(b) plan.