We are seeking a Legal Director; our legal services program provides information, referral and direct representation to approximately 600 LGBT Pennsylvanians each year. We practice in numerous areas of law affecting the LGBT community, including: employment and other anti-discrimination law; family law; youth law; estate planning; police and official misconduct; domestic violence; and many other issue areas. Our docket includes: high-impact appellate cases; representation in state and federal trial court, and before administrative agencies; informal advocacy; advance planning matters; adoptions; and name change petitions for low-income transgender clients. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent employer-paid benefits package. Family-friendly work environment.
Responsibilities
1) Oversee of all legal product leaving the office, including attorney work on docketed cases as well as phone interactions and correspondence produced by intake personnel.
2) Represent clients at the administrative, trial, and appellate level, including identifying, recruiting and teaming with co-counsel where necessary.
3) Coordinate amici in high profile appellate-level cases.
4) Work with Equality Advocates’ Executive Director and Board to determine litigation priorities.
5) Ensure that Equality Advocates’ docket is manageable, balanced, innovative, and responsive to the needs of the community.
6) Ensure that Equality Advocates’ client base is reflective of the LGBT community’s demographic diversity.
7) Supervise two attorneys, Legal Clinic Manager and numerous student volunteers from a variety of graduate programs, including law school and social work interns.
8) Teach in-house clinical course in conjunction with Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.
9) Conduct education, outreach and media activities regarding LGBT legal issues.
Qualifications
Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school and be a current member in good standing or be able to waive in to the Pennsylvania Bar. In addition, candidates should possess the following qualifications:
1) At least 5 years of litigation experience, including some appellate litigation;
2) At least 3 years of experience supervising staff and/or law students;
3) Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and access to justice for disadvantaged communities;
4) Familiarity with the legal issues facing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities; and
5) Public speaking experience and/or experience interacting with the media.
Application
Please send resume, short writing sample and letter of interest to: info@equalitypa.org; fax 215-731-1544; mail 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605, Phila., PA 19107
