Litigation Counsel

About Tahirih:

The Tahirih Justice Center is a national, nonprofit organization that serves women, girls, and other immigrant survivors fleeing gender-based violence. Our interdisciplinary, trauma-informed model of service combines free legal and social services with bridge-building policy advocacy and research-based training and education. Our programs efficiently and effectively leverage donated professional services from a vast network of attorneys, medical professionals, and other experts to serve as many immigrant survivors as possible. By amplifying the experiences of survivors in communities, courts, and Congress, Tahirih’s mission is to create a world in which all people share equal rights and live in safety and with dignity. [Learn more about Tahirih’s Values, including our Commitment to Anti-Racism.]

JOB SUMMARY

Tahirih is seeking a passionate, engaged, and energetic individual to enable us to lead our litigation public policy work. Litigation advocacy is an integral and fast-growing element of Tahirih’s mission and national leadership, as we work to pass legislation, develop regulations, transform policies, and set precedent so that systemic change will ensure the long-term safety and status of immigrant survivors of violence. All our advocacy initiatives are inspired and informed by the real-life needs of our clients, and through extensive consultation with other service-providers and advocates around the country. 

The Litigation Counsel will contribute to litigation advocacy efforts in support of Tahirih’s dynamic, growing, and innovative policy priorities. The Litigation Counsel must be a flexible self-starter who is capable of managing multiple urgent priorities simultaneously across Tahirih’s immigration policy work. The Litigation Counsel will identify and prioritize potential federal litigation to further Tahirih’s goals, coordinate and manage litigation on Tahirih’s behalf with pro bono law firms, assist immigration staff attorneys with appeals in federal court, advise and assist in amicus efforts and federal litigation related to individual Tahirih clients, and support or lead in class action litigation focused on defending critical forms of relief for immigrant survivors.  

This is a two-year, full-time position tied to a grant. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Public Policy:

• Identify and implement impact litigation in federal courts affecting Tahirih clients’ interests and rights.
• In collaboration with litigation counsel and the public policy team, identify and prioritize potential federal litigation to further Tahirih’s goals.
• Develop and use networks with other organizations focused on immigration and/or gender-based violence to identify issues relating to potential litigation.
• Work with litigation counsel and public policy team to strategize and execute litigation approach to priority matters.
• Coordinate, manage, and co-counsel with pro bono law firms handling our direct Tahirih-led impact litigation cases, with assistance from litigation counsel
• Advise and assist in federal litigation related to individual Tahirih clients
• Lead or support amicus efforts to support litigation efforts of partner organizations
• In collaboration with the litigation counsel, senior immigration policy counsel, and director of public policy, draft and submit comments in response to Federal Register Notice periods on potential rules and regulation changes impacting Tahirih’s clients 
• In collaboration with senior immigration policy counsel, litigation counsel, and director of public policy, provide program staff with timely updates on federal policy changes and case law implications and solicit feedback on trends and challenges facing Tahirih clients. 

Outreach/Education:

• Occasionally provide internal and external trainings and technical assistance on immigration litigation matters and strategy 
• Serve as issue area expert spokesperson for Tahirih with the media

Limited Direct Services Support:

• When capacity and expertise allow, provide limited and occasional direct legal representation to Tahirih service seekers. 

This Job Description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities that are required of the employee. The precise duties and responsibilities of the job may change over time.

Education 

• JD or equivalent
• Current bar membership in good standing in any state in the US or District of Columbia or US territory

Experience 

• Self-starter and team player able to carry out own work and provide litigation leadership to advance Tahirih’s policy goals on behalf of our clients 
• Flexible and nimble in a fast-paced policy environment with shifting priorities 
• Extensive familiarity with or knowledge of federal court practice, procedure, and strategy, preferably related to immigration, human trafficking, or related issue area 
• Experience with appellate practice (judicial and/or administrative)
• Excellent time management and organizational skills 
• Excellent legal research and writing skills, with great attention to detail
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills
• Ability to serve as a compelling ambassador for the organization
• Skilled legal mentor and ability to provide clear and expert legal technical assistance across disciplines 
• Collaborative style and ability to work well in large and small teams  
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, trauma-informed lawyering, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, cultural humility, and social justice

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience with media relations
• Experience working with survivors of violence and trauma and those from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Experience presenting to legal and non-legal audiences

Annual salary and benefits: The salary range for this role is expected to be $79,550 - $110,000 per year, with actual salary commensurate with experience. Generous benefits include employee and dependent health, vision and dental insurance (Tahirih contributes 100% of the premium for employees and 60% for dependents); a 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan; flexible work schedules; professional development including in-house training programs, staff enrichment retreats and other growth opportunities. Employees have a generous self-managed leave benefit inclusive of vacation, sick and holidays, including office closure the week between Christmas and New Year’s. 

Tahirih works with a hybrid approach supporting both remote and in office work. 

Tahirih Justice Center is committed to equal opportunity and promotes equity and transparency as core values. Tahirih practices inclusiveness in decision making through the use of consultation with employees throughout the organization. Tahirih does not discriminate against any person on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, ability, gender, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Applicants committed to equity from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and identities, and in particular those from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.

Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.