OPPORTUNITY:
The new Director of Strategic Litigation will be able to leverage the considerable RAICES brand and reputation in building out and leading a best-in-class strategic litigation program. They will have the chance to work with a dedicated and mission-driven legal team and Executive Leadership group who are aligned in their commitment to expand the scope and impact of RAICES’ strategic litigation work. This position is an ideal opportunity for an experienced legal professional with personal passion and connection to the communities RAICES serves and a desire to impact policy and system changes in one of the most critical social issues of our time.
THE POSITION:
The Director of Strategic Litigation is responsible for leadership of a specialized, six-person Litigation Unit that sits within RAICES’ multi-disciplinary Legal Team. The Litigation Unit acts on appeals of RAICES clients’ immigration matters in federal court and initiates strategic lawsuits or actions against parties (including the U.S. Government) violating the human rights of vulnerable immigrants, detainees , and asylum seekers. In addition to maintaining and managing a personal caseload through all phases of litigation, the Director of Strategic Litigation will work collaboratively with the Legal and Executive Teams to create an integrated litigation strategy to advance RAICES’ work and mission.
The Director of Strategic Litigation will provide leadership in shaping legal arguments, developing and delivering case strategies, conducting strategic litigation, expanding RAICES’ policy and advocacy capabilities, managing work flows, and mentoring staff attorneys to ensure that all litigation work is conducted to the highest possible standard. This position also works collaboratively with other Legal and Program teams, stakeholders, and key partners, and will act as spokesperson/liaison for RAICES in communications & media, fundraising, and other external-facing activities.
CANDIDATE PROFILE:
You are an experienced and accomplished legal professional who is passionate about human rights and social change. You are drawn to and energized by opportunities to build and grow new programs, strategies, and approaches. You have deep litigation expertise – including at the federal level – and the ability to think creatively about how to use litigation and litigation-adjacent tools to advance a mission. You have content expertise in the areas of immigration, asylum, detention, and/or other directly related human rights issues. You are a skilled manager who prioritizes coaching and professional development and has a track record of building high-performing teams and a values-driven culture. Your career history includes time in policy/advocacy environments and some interest, knowledge, or experience in integrating policy and legal strategies.
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE (Must Have):
- Five to ten years of experience practicing complex and sophisticated litigation in federal and appellate courts;
- Ability to develop and articulate an immediate and longer-term vision for litigation programs and how they can be successfully integrated into organizational strategy;
- Exceptional people and team management skills with a minimum of three years of supervisory experience leading other attorneys and legal support staff;
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and work in coalitions, and to grow and maintain effective individual and institutional relationships;
- Strong communication abilities, including experience or aptitude for engaging with media, external partners (law firms, coalitions partners, elected/appointed government officials), funding organizations, and high-net-worth donors;
- Experience with and understanding of the creation and management of revenue and expense budgets;
- Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school;
- Current state bar membership in good standing with the United States;
- Licensed or able to become licensed in the Western District of Texas, 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the D.C. District Court;
- Ability to pass a Federal Background Check.
DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE (Nice to Have):
- Minimum of three years of experience in nonprofit organizations and leadership;
- Trial experience and/or existing familiarity with civil rights and/or immigration law;
- Demonstrated knowledge and interest in reform of the immigration system and combating systemic injustice;
- Bilingual in English and Spanish;
- Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including BIPOC communities, in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of decision-making;
- Understanding and/or experience of managing in a unionized labor environment;
- Understanding and/or experience litigating various statutory and constitutional causes of action, including cases arising under the Federal Tort Claims Act, the Freedom of Information Act, Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, the Administrative Procedures Act, the Immigration and Nationality Act, Bivens actions, and international human rights law;
- Licensed in the Southern and Northern District of Texas.
DESIRED PESONAL QUALITIES & CHARACTERISTICS:
- Strong cultural competence and understanding of the diverse needs, experiences, and contributions of the individuals and communities RAICES engages and serves;
- High levels of professional maturity, emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness;
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice as evidenced by job, pro bono, volunteer, and/or intern experience;
- Strong diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) lens, with the experience to lead by example in centering racial, sexual, and gender equity, as well as disability justice, in all facets of an organization;
- Ability to connect authentically with people at all levels of power, privilege, ability, socio-economic status, and ideologies across the political spectrum;
- Positive and engaging bridge builder, collaborator, and reliable partner – internally and externally;
- Agile, flexible, and adaptable; capable of dealing with energized (often hostile) opposition and complex issues and situations.
