Summary:

Creatively working alongside, and under the leadership of, directly impacted community members, the Economic Justice Project (EJP) Practice Group provides legal advocacy, support, and education to dismantle exploitative systems that deprive people of wealth on account of their race and economic status and to support equitable systems of self-determination and economic reinvestment, particularly in historically marginalized Black and Brown communities.

EJP currently works to: (1) end wealth-based discrimination in the justice system by challenging punitive policies that trap communities in poverty; (2) safeguard and expand coverage for social protection programs that end poverty or reduce its impacts; (3) ensure equity in disaster resilience, response, and recovery from COVID-19 and other natural disasters; and (4) build wealth and expand access to economic opportunity in Black and Brown communities by challenging discriminatory policies resulting in the loss of farms, land, and housing. Our project is growing, and we are looking to expand our work across the Deep South and develop new economic justice strategies to achieve the ambitious goal of eradicating poverty in the region.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Legal Director, the Senior Supervising Attorney helps lead and direct the Southern Poverty Law Center’s economic justice work throughout the Deep South. This person is responsible for working collaboratively with the Deputy Legal Director, legal leadership and EJP staff to develop EJP’s vision and strategy to achieve systemic reform throughout the states in which we work. They will supervise and mentor a dedicated team of staff and senior staff attorneys and other legal professionals. Under the Senior Supervising Attorney’s leadership, EJP will work across the Center to deploy legal, policy, education, community organizing, and communications tools focused on advancing the Southern Poverty Law Center’s mission and goals.

Specifically, the Senior Supervising Attorney will be responsible for working with the Deputy Legal Director and the staff to develop cases and campaigns including litigation, community lawyering, public education, outreach, public advocacy, and other strategies. They will also engage in litigating strategic and innovative cases raising constitutional and statutory claims in federal and state courts, at trial and appellate levels and in administrative proceedings.

Primary Job Functions:

Lead the development and implementation of SPLC’s economic justice strategies in the Deep South;
Develop new cases and campaigns and lead litigation and legal advocacy;

Manage and supervise a team within the Economic Justice Project practice group of approximately 4 staff or senior staff attorneys and other legal professionals, providing mentoring and coaching in support of the work;
Hire, train, establish, and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign duties, and conduct performance reviews;
Collaborate with the Deputy Legal Director and the Policy Department to identify and support the advancement of state and local policy priorities and testify to legislative bodies upon request;
Collaborate with the Deputy Legal Director and the Communications Department to develop communication strategies around cases and campaigns and serve as spokesperson upon request;
Collaborate with team members of other practice groups in the Legal Department to advance the impact goals and campaigns of SPLC;
Represent SPLC in various fora, including before community groups, legislatures, state agencies, and the press;
Develop and oversee community engagement efforts and outreach activities to maintain open communication and collaboration with directly impacted people and communities; and
Other duties as may be assigned to meet SPLC needs.

Qualifications:

Education and Related Work Experience:

J.D. Degree;
At least 8 years of federal court civil litigation or comparable legal experience;
At least 2 years of experience managing legal staff;
Demonstrated leadership in building and maintaining an innovative, inclusive, equitable, and positive working culture;
Excellent oral and written communications, including legal research and writing skills; and
Admission to the Bar in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, or Mississippi, or willingness to sit for the next Bar Exam if the attorney cannot waive.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

Creativity and a demonstrated willingness to take calculated risks in crafting and executing strategies;
Initiative, vision, and a proven commitment to the struggle for social justice;
Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently;
Excellent and consistent attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines;
Strong organizational skills, follow-through and flexibility around changing priorities and deadlines;
Aptitude for and willingness to be a team player;
Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion; and

Commitment to fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

Other Special Considerations:

This job is performed under general office conditions, and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.

Senior Supervising Attorney, Economic Justice Project