Director, Criminal Justice Project

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law • Full-time • Washington, DC • 6m ago

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Job Title: Director, Criminal Justice Project
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role:
The Criminal Justice Project (CJP) works to address racial disparities within the criminal justice system, including those that contribute to mass incarceration. CJP employs several legal and community-based strategies to achieve these goals. Much of CJP’s work is through impact litigation, and it also partners with the Lawyers’ Committee’s Policy Project to advocate for changes in law and policy that further its mission.

The Lawyers’ Committee seeks a proven leader with demonstrated expertise as a criminal justice advocate to lead CJP. The Director will spearhead the organization’s national efforts, overseeing all aspects of our criminal justice litigation and programs. The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to racial justice, cultural competency, experience working with underserved and marginalized communities, substantial litigation experience, and substantial professional experience affording insight into the criminal justice system.

What You’ll be Doing:
Responsibilities of the Director, Criminal Justice Project include but are not limited to:

Developing, managing, and leading all aspects of CJP’s litigation docket, public policy work, and criminal justice initiatives.
Working with Lawyers’ Committee leadership to develop and implement CJP’s strategic direction.
Identifying CJP’s priorities and ensuring that the Project’s resources are used effectively.
Monitoring nationwide criminal justice issues and identifying opportunities to expand CJP’s impact.
Supervising CJP staff, which is comprised of the Associate Director, Counsel, Investigators, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Law Fellows, and Legal Interns.
Supervising litigation activities, including investigations, assessment of potential legal claims, identifying potential clients and managing client relationships, drafting and editing litigation documents, carrying out discovery, oral arguments, witness examinations, and handling expert witnesses.
Supervising, managing, and reviewing the non-litigation work of CJP staff, including research, report writing, advocacy, program development, and compliance with ethical rules and timekeeping requirements.
Working with Pro Bono Attorneys and other Co-Counsel supporting the Project’s active docket.
Engaging in externally facing activities, including:
- Public speaking at events, conferences, or meetings of national or regional significance.
- Representing the Lawyers’ Committee in coalitions.
- Leading events, conferences, webinars, or meetings to advance CJP’s priorities.
- Drafting articles, Op-Eds, testimony, and/or other reports on issues directly related to CJP’s priorities.
Working with others in Lawyers’ Committee management and leadership to develop and manage CJP’s budget.
Pursuing funding opportunities, including grants, in conjunction with Development staff.
Completing or delegating all administrative tasks, including internal reports.
Identifying relevant continuing legal education and professional development opportunities for staff.
Participating in various management teams of the Lawyers’ Committee, including actively engaging in management meetings and management training and promoting and maintaining a strong and healthy culture within CJP and throughout the organization.
Amplifying the Project’s work and reach, in conjunction with the Lawyers’ Committee’s Communications, Development, and Public Policy offices.
Coordinating with other Projects at the Lawyers’ Committee to develop and implement an interdisciplinary approach to our racial justice work.
Cultivating and maintaining good relationships with pro-bono counsel and fellow advocacy organizations.
Evaluating CJP staff and completing periodic performance evaluations.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:
Required qualifications of this position include but are not limited to:

8-10 years of experience in criminal justice reform/litigation with at least 5 years at a civil rights organization strongly preferred, although individuals with less experience but the requisite skills and expertise are also encouraged to apply.
Admission to the bar of at least one state and, if not already admitted to the DC Bar, eligibility to waive into the DC Bar or sit for the DC Bar exam.
Experience as a manager and ability to lead, motivate, and inspire a diverse team of attorneys and professional staff.
Exceptional legal research and writing and oral advocacy skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including the public, media, and policy makers.
Highest integrity, sound judgment, and superior emotional intelligence.
Commitment to diversity and inclusiveness and respect for differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with CJP staff, pro bono partners, civil rights allies, and stakeholder organizations.
Effective problem-solving and strong interpersonal skills.
Commitment and demonstrated ability to provide culturally competent advocacy.
Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative, think creatively and work independently.
Ability to travel for litigation, conferences, speaking engagements and client development.

Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.