Senior Fellow, Equal Justice Works Civil Rights

The role

Senior Fellows will design and implement a defined two-year litigation or advocacy project. This work addresses civil rights enforcement gaps through initiatives in democracy, hate and extremism, poverty, and unjust incarceration.

What you will do

• Design and implement a defined two-year national litigation and/or advocacy initiative.
• Research legal and policy issues related to SPLC impact areas.
• Draft briefs, motions, memos, and written discovery.
• Conduct depositions and represent clients in court.
• Develop and maintain relationships with members of impacted communities.
• Represent SPLC before community groups, legislators, media, and agencies.
• Collaborate on initiatives with SPLC Legal Department team members.
• Attend regular meetings with Directors and other EJW Fellows.
• Participate in EJW Fellowship program activities and structured engagement.
• Engage in knowledge-sharing with cohort peers.

Required qualifications

• Significant litigation experience with federal government attorney experience in civil rights and advocacy
• Membership in good standing of at least one state bar in the United States
• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school
• Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research and drafting legal documents
• Demonstrated commitment to democracy and social progress
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects under tight deadlines
• Collaborative and interpersonal skills with commitment to diversity and inclusivity
• Experience or eagerness to work in a nonprofit, mission-driven, or advocacy organization

Nice to have

• Experience working with community organizations, grassroots campaigns, and impacted communities, particularly in the Deep South
• Experience conducting outreach activities related to litigation and campaigns

About the company

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices.