Position Announcement--Staff Attorney--Federal Rights Project

The National Senior Citizens Law Center (NSCLC) is a non-profit dedicated to obtaining justice for America’s low-income elderly and people with disabilities.  National and state advocacy efforts focus on access to health care, income support, long-term care, and access to the courts.  Advocacy includes litigation, policy, technical assistance and training for attorneys and other advocates nationwide in a variety of subject areas including Medicaid, long-term care, Social Security, and federal court jurisdiction. 

NSCLC’s Federal Rights Project (FRP) was established in 2001 in response to a series of Supreme Court decisions restricting congressional and judicial authority to protect individual rights under federal law.  The FRP works to preserve the ability of courts and Congress to protect the health, economic security and civil rights of individuals under federal law. The FRP monitors and provides strategic analyses of legal and legislative developments, offers training and assistance to litigators and support for policy advocates, promotes media,  governmental , and public awareness of the gravity of current threats to court access, and advocates for legislation and policies to counter such threats, and consideration of court access issues in the federal judicial selection process. The FRP is not limited to senior issues but rather works to strengthen access to justice for all individuals. The FRP also maintains a listserv, which provides recent case developments, strategy articles, and a forum for discussion of issues affecting access to federal court to enforce rights under federal law, including rights under civil rights and public benefits statutes.

The Position: NSCLC seeks an attorney to assist the Directing Attorney and Senior Policy Counsel.  The position, located in Washington, D.C., involves research, analysis, appellate litigation, preparation of briefing materials for varied audiences, drafting of scholarly, practice-oriented, and popular articles for electronic or print distribution, participation in policy and legislative advocacy coalitions, and liaison with Congressional staff.  The position may be filled either by a qualified full-time recent law graduate with less working experience, or a part-time attorney with significant relevant experience.  The position is for one year with the possibility of extension.  Benefits include medical, dental, and disability coverage, plus retirement and leave.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate must demonstrate extremely high-caliber legal research and writing skills, a genuine commitment to working for poor and underserved populations, and an ability to take initiative and work independently.  Candidate must be computer-proficient, highly organized, able to juggle and prioritize multiple demands, and have a confident public presence.  The ability to work well under pressure, commitment to working as a team member, and excellent communication skills are also required.  Previous experience or familiarity with public interest litigation and/or policy advocacy, especially on low-income and/or court access issues is preferred.  Position open until filled.

To Apply: Send cover letter, résumé, original writing samples, and three professional references to: NSCLC, 1101 14th St. NW, Suite 400, Wash. D.C. 20005; or send it to kuku smith, ksmith@nsclc.org. No calls please.  NSCLC is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes the value of diversity in the workplace.