Litigation Counsel

We strongly encourage people of color, transgender and non-binary people to apply. HRC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone, including non-LGBTQ people, to join our team.

Program Summary:

The Human Rights Campaign seeks a full-time candidate for an important position as Litigation Counsel in the Impact Litigation Program.

The Impact Litigation Program (ILP) at HRC is a pro-bono collaborative partnership effort with litigators from seven of the world’s leading law firms and grassroots and institutional movement actors to further legal protections and strengthen movement advocacy for LGBTQ people around the world. Our theory of change is situated in powerful storytelling - to be a vessel to courts for our community’s stories and to use the power in those stories to bend the law into recognition of a more broadly inclusive understanding of what it means to be truly free.  

Position Summary:

In this role, the Litigation Counsel will share leadership in the vision setting and program execution within the Litigation Department. The Litigation Counsel will play a critical role in implementing the Human Rights Campaign’s Impact Litigation Program, including developing and litigating high-impact cases, managing an ongoing docket of cases and matters, and working with other departments in the organization to advance equality. This position will report directly to the Litigation Director.

The position can be based in the New York City area or Washington, D.C.

Position Responsibilities:

• Identify and coordinate the review and selection of potential litigation opportunities, including monitoring current civil rights issues, reviewing and responding to intake requests, interviewing prospective clients, researching potential legal claims, drafting and sending demand letters, and conducting general legal research and legal analysis;
• Litigate in state and federal courts throughout the country, including researching and drafting pleadings and briefs;
• Provide subject matter expertise to pro-bono law firm collaborators, cooperating attorneys, and other state and local partners;
• Draft and/or coordinate amicus briefs in cases of constitutional significance, both in federal and state courts;
• Maintain litigation files, intake database, and other legal program administrative files;
• Collaborate with colleagues at the Human Rights Campaign on outreach to national, state, and community partners to identify LGBTQ and intersectional llitigation opportunities; and 
• Engaging in public speaking and articulating organizational views to a variety of audiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; admitted to practice and in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar. 
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience. Relevant work experience might include some combination of direct client representation, policy advocacy, or community organizing.
• Demonstrated passion for and experience in human rights is required; strong interest in LGBTQ rights, criminal justice, immigration, and/or voting rights is preferred.
• Highly organized and detail oriented:
  • Manages a high volume of work with efficiency: Has, or can create, a system for keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. Able to juggle competing demands and prioritize without sacrificing quality. Asks for help when needed. 
  • Attention to detail: Acknowledges mistakes as learning opportunities. Demonstrated track record of leaving things better than they found them.
  • Strong sense of ownership and resilience: Plans ahead and finds alternative paths, when needed, to get to the finish line. Bounces back from setbacks and rejections. 
• Excellent critical thinker and problem-solver:
  • Grasps the nuance of complex issues and identifies patterns in challenges. Comes up with insightful, pragmatic, equitable, and sustainable approaches to complex problems;
  • Skilled in compelling written legal advocacy for diverse audiences.
  • Adapts to the evolving needs of clients, the organization, colleagues, and coalition partners;
  • Consistently overcomes challenges and leverages resources to creatively solve problems. Proactively asks for help, anticipates problems, and course-corrects where needed. Proposes solutions to issues with guidance.
• Effective communication and collegiality:
  • Speaks clearly, compellingly, and with intention on behalf of the organization and in partnership with community stakeholders.
  • Effectively communicates with external stakeholders, including sharing context and asking questions to understand others’ perspectives.
  • Produces accurate and compelling written materials: Can learn, internalize, and incorporate the organization’s mission and goals across platforms. Organizes and shares information effectively — whether writing an internal email or delivering a presentation.
  • Keen awareness of the power of language and representation: uses references and examples that speak to the experiences of a diverse audience, particularly the communities we aim to reach.
• Inclusive relationship building and leadership
  • Enthusiasm for meeting and engaging with people with humility. Empathizes with the communities we serve and values people as experts in their own liberation. Listens closely to understand needs or concerns and takes steps based on that input. Able to put people at ease, especially across lines of difference. Takes pride in providing clear, helpful information. 
  • Values and models integrity and authenticity: Leads by example. Builds authentic relationships across lines of difference, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, citizenship status, or other identities. Follows through on commitments and tells the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.
  • Models and inspires accountability: Inspires and motivates others to take action and meet goals. Delegates skillfully. Holds the team accountable and acknowledges growth in self and others.
  • Appreciates the virtuous cycle of teaching and learning: Committed to personal and professional growth. Uses coaching, training, and feedback to expand practice capacity. Seeks and engages well with feedback.

All positions at the Human Rights Campaign may require travel on a regular basis or periodically.  Where the need arises for business travel, appropriate compensation as outlined by the Fair Labor Standards Act will apply.

 No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to queries about application status.