Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence - Staff Attorney 2/Chief Counsel

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security.  The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI.  Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). 
 

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

The American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence seeks a full-time Staff Attorney 2/Chief Counsel in our Washington, DC office. Our mission is to increase access to justice for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by mobilizing the legal profession to improve systems, services, and outcomes.

We accomplish our mission by advancing policy and best practices primarily through educational advocacy, training, and technical assistance. As part of the Commission’s Training and Technical Assistance Unit, the attorney will plan, develop, and host national and regional, multi-day, in-person and virtual continuing legal education programs for attorneys representing victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking violence, as well as develop tools, resources, and publications.

This position will entail substantive legal work, including legal writing and research, managing and supporting Commission projects, directing educational activities, serving as a consultant on external projects, conducting presentations on gender-based violence legal topics, and providing technical assistance to attorneys nationwide. The attorney will also engage in grant development and fundraising with the team.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Provision of training and technical assistance to attorneys in the field. Draft training curricula, materials, and other resources. Develop publicity and registration materials for trainings and other events; manage event registration.
• Identification and recruitment of subject matter experts for trainings. Coordinate with project partners, expert consultants, training sites, and vendors. Oversee onsite and virtual coordination of trainings.
• Conduct presentations, facilitate trainings, and/or teach on legal and public policy issues. Act as a consultant designing substantive content of events, developing model documents, and conducting trainings.
• Support team efforts to secure outside funding, including grant writing.
• Support team efforts to compile data and draft reports to funders.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Requires JD and active bar admission in at least one jurisdiction.
• At least 4 years working in relevant specialized area of law.
• Excellent legal writing and research skills, oral and written communications, and organizational skills.
• Experience with project management.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• A deep commitment to end domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence.
• The ability to be self-directed and capable of managing multiple projects under tight timelines.
• The skills to work effectively with experts on collaborative efforts to develop trainings, educational resources, etc.

Extent of Travel Required in the Job

• Ability to travel required.