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JOB OPENING

LITIGATION ATTORNEY OPENING for South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center. The South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center partners with public interest organizations, members of the private bar, pro bono volunteers, and community members in South Carolina to bring systemic litigation on behalf of low-income South Carolinians. SCALJC provides trainings, staffs task forces on substantive issues, co-counsels cases, provides administrative/legislative advocacy, works with the media, authors practice manuals and brochures, and works with private attorneys on legal services and poverty law issues.

SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary is based on experience. Benefits include Health/Dental Insurance, Retirement and very generous leave policies.

SCALJC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply:
Send Resume, References, and writing sample to:
Bridget Brown, Executive Director
[email protected]

Job Title: Litigator
Positive Type / Classification: Attorney
Reports to: Executive Director
Travel Required: Statewide

Position Summary:

The Litigation Attorney at the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center (SCALJC) is responsible for managing existing litigation cases, identifying and developing new systemic litigation, and driving systemic change that benefits low-income South Carolinians. This position works in tandem with the Director, staff, the Board, other organizations, and members of the community to identify critical needs, fill advocacy gaps, and efficiently utilize resources. The role will involve preparing, filing, and managing new cases, recruiting Pro Bono partners when necessary, identifying plaintiffs when necessary, and periodically researching grant or funding opportunities. In addition, the position may warrant participation in training and outreach events that support SCALJC's advocacy initiatives and provide support to outside attorneys engaged in public interest work.

Areas of Focus: Litigation Strategy Development (50%), Case Management and Advocacy (40%), Training, Outreach, and Support (10%)

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Litigation Strategy Development (50%)

• Collaborate with the Director, staff, the Board, other organizations, and community members to create innovative litigation strategies.
• Focus on strategies that can effect systemic change to benefit low-income South Carolinians.
  Identify and address gaps in existing advocacy efforts, working to bridge these gaps through systemic litigation.
• Ensure efficient use of SCALJC and partner resources to maximize the impact of litigation efforts.
• Develop, prepare, file, and manage new cases, seeing them through all stages of litigation.
• Other duties as determined.

Case Management and Advocacy (40%)

• Oversee and manage SCALJC's existing docket through all stages of litigation.
• Identify and prioritize the critical needs of SCALJC's constituents, ensuring that litigation efforts align with these needs.
• Collaborate with other SCALJC staff to ensure that litigation and non-litigation advocacy strategies complement each other and work towards common goals.
• Other duties as determined.

Training, Outreach, and Support (10%)

• Identify opportunities to collaborate with other local or national advocacy organizations and law firms to execute litigation plans effectively.
• Participate in training and outreach events that support SCALJC's litigation and non-litigation advocacy initiatives, sharing your expertise and knowledge.
• Consult with and assist outside attorneys engaged in public interest work, offering guidance and assistance as needed.
• Other duties as determined.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fifteen to twenty years of experience practicing law.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and a member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar.
• Poverty law experience.
• Admission to the U.S. District Court.
• Trial experience in State, Federal, and Appellate Courts.
• Demonstrated experience in litigation, preferably in public interest or civil rights cases.
• Strong analytical, research, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

DESIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Possess a strong understanding of litigation procedures, civil rights, and public interest law and demonstrate knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
• Ability to think critically, develop innovative litigation strategies, and adapt to changing circumstances to achieve systemic change for the benefit of low-income South Carolinians.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present legal arguments persuasively and clearly. Strong research and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to make efficient use of resources, including financial, human, and time resources, to achieve the desired impact in legal advocacy.
• Willingness to participate in training and outreach events and provide guidance and support to outside attorneys to promote legal education and professional growth in public interest work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work primarily in an office setting but may also involve travel to court hearings, meetings with partners, or outreach events. Option to work remotely pending Director approval.
• Litigation may require flexibility in working hours to meet court deadlines and attend hearings, while outreach events may occur during non-standard working hours.
• Periods of intense workload during trial preparation and court appearances.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extensive periods of sitting at a desk, using a computer, and reviewing legal documents.
• Occasional standing during court hearings, meetings, or outreach events.
• Ability to lift and carry legal documents and materials, typically up to 25 pounds.