Litigation Director and General Counsel, Human Rights Defense Center

Position:

The Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC) is seeking a full-time Litigation Director and General Counsel in its Lake Worth, Florida office. Applicants must be licensed attorneys, ideally in Florida. Position can be remote for the ideal candidate. HRDC is seeking a dynamic and visionary attorney who is dedicated and passionate about prisoner rights and opposing the police state and holding governments accountable for their human rights abuses. Interest and enthusiasm about free speech and government transparency issues is a big plus. Salary is $110,000 to $130,000 per year and will be set depending on experience. HRDC offers a benefits package including 100% employer paid group health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan with employer contribution. Generous vacation, including all federal holidays. HRDC is committed to regular pay raises and also offers annual bonuses depending on performance.

Responsibilities:

  • Primarily litigate Section 1983 and FOIA cases in Federal Court, and will also litigate cases under state public records laws
  • Handle all phases of complex civil litigation and maintain an active case load
  • Supervise, train and work with 2 in-house staff attorneys as well as legal support staff and interns
  • Coordinate and work with co-counsel from various jurisdictions across the country
  • Occasionally be expected to travel to various jurisdictions around the country

Qualifications:

  • A minimum of fifteen years post-graduate experience as a full-time lawyer is required
  • Management and supervisory experience
  • Excellent writing and analytical skills
  • Experience successfully litigating ยง 1983 cases
  • A demonstrated commitment to improving the criminal justice system
  • Personal interest in the preservation and advancement of civil liberties and individual rights
  • Admitted in good standing to the Florida Bar (or to the bar of any state or the District of Columbia if working remotely,)
  • Experience with First Amendment, class action or consumer related litigation is a plus
  • Experience in the non profit sector is a plus but not required

How to Apply:

Send resume and cover letter to executive director Paul Wright at pwright@prisonlegalnews.org. In your cover letter include the three most important cases you have won and what they achieved. No phone calls please. The position will remain open until filled.