The Constance Slaughter-Harvey Staff Attorney position is solely dedicated to confronting issues of racial discrimination and social justice. Given the breadth of these issues, the successful candidate can expect to work on a wide range of issues including policing, criminal justice, immigration, voting rights, education, and free speech.

The position is named in honor of Attorney Constance Iona Slaughter-Harvey, a Forest, Mississippi native, whose history with the ACLU of MS and the fight for racial justice spans over six decades. Slaughter-Harvey was the first Black woman to receive a law degree from the University of Mississippi, Mississippi’s first female, Black judge and the first Black female to receive the University of Mississippi School of Law Alumna of the Year recognition.

The Staff Attorney will litigate cases and engage in non-litigation advocacy to advance civil liberties and civil rights throughout Mississippi. Responsibilities include developing and litigating cutting-edge impact cases on a wide range of issues, primarily in federal courts and often in partnership with cooperating counsel and/or National ACLU lawyers. The Staff Attorney will represent the ACLU publicly through media interviews and speaking engagements and will collaborate extensively with our Advocacy, Policy and Communications departments to set goals and implement strategies that advance ACLU of Mississippi priorities.

Legal

• Investigate, develop and litigate impact civil liberties and civil rights cases in federal and state court.
• Identify and recruit plaintiffs, conduct factual and legal research, prepare memorandums, write demand letters, draft pleadings and briefs, conduct discovery, argue motions, try cases, write appellate briefs and amicus briefs.
• Supervise, lead, or participate in a team of associated attorneys, and co-counsel cases with other public interest groups and the national staff.
• Recruit and work successfully with ACLU volunteer attorneys.
• Comment on and edit letters and briefs of co-counsel and other ACLU staff.
• Work with partners to screen and develop promising cases.

Leadership, Public Advocacy and Teamwork

• Serve as a spokesperson for the ACLU with the press and as a public speaker and educator.
• Work with ACLU staff to implement integrated advocacy campaigns and high-impact strategies utilizing the ACLU’s legislative, policy, and communications programs.
• Engage with partners working in legal and advocacy capacities to build and mobilize issue networks statewide as appropriate.
• Support the work of the Advocacy and Communications Departments by collaborating on policy and legislative materials, as well as by writing editorials, blogs and public education documents.

Administration, Supervision and Support

• Recruit and supervise law students and interns.
• Proactively communicate with all staff so they are well-informed of upcoming hearings, judicial decisions, and important developments in the legal arena.
• Ensure that the Legal and Executive Directors are adequately informed of work and solicit direction and input appropriately and consistent with professional standards.
• Prepare administrative and grant reports, provide administrative and organizational support as needed, and adhere to internal systems for attorney recordkeeping and information sharing.

Supervision

The Staff Attorney will report to the Legal Director, who is responsible for implementation of the statewide legal program.
Qualifications, Experience, & Attributes

• J.D. with at least four years of experience, including federal court litigation experience, preferably with experience litigating federal civil rights and civil liberties cases. Depending on years of experience, the position may be titled Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney.
• If not already barred in Mississippi, candidate must pass or waive into the Mississippi bar.
• A strong understanding of, and demonstrated commitment to, civil liberties, civil rights and the mission of the ACLU.
• Substantive knowledge and understanding of constitutional law and civil liberties issues.
• Demonstrated skills in litigating independently, jointly, and under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with both legal and non-legal audiences.
• Demonstrated skills in legal analysis, research, and strategic thinking.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and with community organizations and coalitions.
• A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance.
• Creative, result-oriented, self-starting, willing to learn, and able to manage a varied docket, working beyond 9-5 as needed.
• Willingness to travel across the state for litigation and engagements.
• A background in criminal law and/or civil rights is preferred, but not mandatory.

There is an annual salary of between $80,000 and $90,000 commensurate with experience.
Excellent benefits including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

To Apply:

Please submit in digital form, by email, a detailed letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references. Send with the subject line of “Staff Attorney Application” to Joshua Tom at jtom@aclu-ms.org.

The position will remain open until filled.

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Mississippi is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals are encouraged to apply.