Overview
Title: Litigation Attorney or Senior Litigation Attorney
Reports to: Litigation Director
Direct Reports: None
Hours: Full-time; exempt
Location: Preference for candidates who can work a hybrid model in the NYC metro area or fully remote candidates in the LA metro area; open to fully remote candidates from other locations within the contiguous US.
Giffords Law Center, the legal arm of the gun-safety organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, is a nonprofit organization whose team is on a mission to save lives from gun violence. Giffords is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an environment that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion. People of color, trans and gender non-conforming individuals, women, people with differing abilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
We are seeking an attorney to join our impact litigation team. The Litigation Attorney or Senior Litigation Attorney will serve as a member of the Litigation team, developing and advancing litigation seeking to combat gun violence and hold the gun industry accountable and collaborating with outside clients/partners as well as outside counsel and pro bono attorneys. The position requires ability and interest in staffing occasional evening or weekend events, with up to 10-15% travel expected.
This is a full-time position, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement if based in New York, Washington, DC, or San Francisco, with full remote available if based outside those metro areas. All Giffords employees are expected to be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations, including boosters, with limited exemptions as required by state and federal law.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants, no phone calls or emails, please.
Duties + Responsibilities:
Contribute to developing new litigation theories and case strategies by:Conducting legal research and analysis to develop theories supporting litigation or advocacy projects that will reduce gun violence, hold the gun industry accountable, pursue justice for survivors, and advance equity for communities most affected by gun violence.
Identifying litigation opportunities and parties to litigation in collaboration with other Giffords Law Center employees, outside counsel, and experts.
Monitoring and identifying key cases that warrant direct assistance from the Giffords litigation team, including cases in which to file amicus curiae briefs, provide technical assistance, or advocate for a policy response.
Contribute to ongoing, active litigation by:Representing individual, organizational, and government clients in civil litigation, including drafting, reviewing, and editing pleadings, motions, and briefs and participating in arguments and hearings, as appropriate. Managing relationships with outside counsel, pro bono law firms, partner organizations, experts, and supporters. Coordinating internal and external communications in relation to active litigation cases.
Develop expertise in gun-safety litigation, including litigation involving the gun industry, and foster other team members’ subject matter expertise.
Advise other Giffords teams on litigation developments and provide legal and technical expertise about gun safety litigation to attorneys and the public.
Support Giffords’ internal inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism (IDEA) work.
Support the organization’s efforts by responding to media requests, through public presentations, by participating in external events, and by presenting on the organization’s litigation efforts to supporters.
Other duties as assigned.
Required knowledge, skills + experience:
To join as a Litigation Attorney for this role, we require a J.D. degree and at least two years of legal practice
To join as a Senior Litigation Attorney, we require a J.D degree, at least five years of legal practice, and at least one year of direct experience in gun violence prevention
Admission to at least one state bar
Strong knowledge and understanding of litigation process and case proceedings
Proven track record in managing cases, including but not limited to drafting, reviewing, and editing pleadings, motions, and briefs,, and representing individual, organizational or government clients in litigation
Experience conducting legal research and analysis and translating insights into new theories and case strategies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present legal subject matter to a non-legal audience
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, allied organizations, and public officials, and ability to collaborate with a diverse array of stakeholders, building relationships and acting as an empathetic and respectful thought partner
Possession of an inclusive work style, value of diverse perspectives, and desire to learn and grow by acknowledging any limitations and areas of growth
Comfort with problem solving, navigating ambiguity, and approaching challenges with patience and a sense of humor
Exceptional organizational and project management skills with a high attention to detail
Ability to juggle several concurrent projects across multiple stakeholders, establishing clear lines of communication and keeping work on track and on time
Deep conviction to serve Giffords’ mission of tackling America’s gun violence crisis
Shares Giffords’ commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism (IDEA)
Preferred Experience:
Subject matter expertise in the Second Amendment, experience with other constitutional law, administrative law, or other firearms policy and regulation
Plaintiff’s side litigation experience
Salary + benefits:
For a Litigation Attorney, the salary for this position ranges from $97,000-$107,000, and varies within that range commensurate with experience. For a Senior Staff Attorney, the salary for this position ranges from $113,000 to $123,000, and varies within that range commensurate with experience. For all full-time employees, competitive benefits include employer funded health, dental, and vision insurance; health, transit, and parking flexible spending accounts; 401k plan with 4% employer match; 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually plus paid week closure at the end of the year; and ten paid holidays.
Applying + the interview process:
Submit an optional cover letter (no more than 400 words), your resume, and a legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages. Our interview process for this position consists of a phone interview, a video interview, a skills assessment exercise, and reference checks.
GIFFORDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an environment that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion. People of color, trans individuals, gender non-conforming individuals, women, people with differing abilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.