AFJ Law - Deputy Program Director (Texas-based and licensed)

About the role

Alliance for Justice (AFJ) is a national association of more than 135 organizations, representing a broad constituency based on the belief that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have their voices heard when government makes decisions that affect their lives. The AFJ Law Program is a new initiative designed to strengthen legal capacity within movements and provide strategic legal support to organizations advancing progressive policy goals.

Responsibilities

• Set up and establish the AFJ Law practice for the state of Texas
• Lead and manage a direct legal services practice in Texas serving 501(c)(3) organizations, setting strategic priorities and operational direction in partnership with the AFJ Law Program Director with little day-to-day supervision
• Serve as primary legal relationship holder for a diverse portfolio of nonprofit clients, functioning as trusted outside counsel and proactively identifying legal risk before issues escalate
• Exercise independent legal and strategic judgment across a broad, complex caseload with minimal supervision, escalating selectively and appropriately
• Navigate novel and high-stakes legal questions in Texas by rapidly assessing applicable law, consulting peer networks, and delivering well-reasoned guidance under time pressure
• Develop thorough understanding of clients’ mission, programs, governance structure, and strategic goals
• Translate legal requirements and risk considerations into plain-language advice that is grounded in each client's mission and operationally actionable for nonprofit leadership
• Identify legal vulnerabilities that could impede mission delivery and proactively offer preventive counsel
• Stay up to date on federal and Texas state laws, emerging legal issues, and regulations related to nonprofit advocacy and nonprofit defense
• Provide counsel on the boundaries and reporting of permissible lobbying and issue advocacy, helping clients maximize their advocacy activities within legal limits
• Advise on voter registration, get-out-the-vote, candidate forums, and other nonpartisan election related activities, ensuring strict compliance with the § 501(c)(3) regulations
• Provide legal guidance and review of written advocacy policies, internal tracking systems, and staff training frameworks
• Advise on governance best practices related to 501(c)(3) compliance
• Advise on public-facing material, including websites, reports, social media, and other communications
• Provide legal guidance and risk assessments around programmatic and communications strategies
• Proactively identify, engage, and develop relationships with local advocacy organizations and community partners to expand AFJ Law’s client base and deepen its commitment to our clients’ work
• Interface with clients in person to support or conduct trainings, events, advocacy activities, and similar activities when needed
• Maintain accurate, confidential client matter records and progress documentation consistent with professional responsibility obligations
• Contribute to AFJ Law’s legal resource library, practice guides, and template documents for use across client engagements
• Represent AFJ Law at community events, nonprofit conferences, and bar association activities to build awareness and referral relationships
• Support the Development team in fundraising and grant management efforts and provide information needed for reports to stakeholders such as foundations, AFJ board members, and others
• Support AFJ’s commitment to advance equity in all aspects of the organization, and help create an organizational culture that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and active bar admission in good standing in Texas; admission or eligibility for admission in DC
• At least 7 years of legal experience, including providing legal advice to clients, with meaningful exposure to nonprofit law, tax-exempt organizations, or public-interest legal services
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound legal judgment to analyze complex issues, assess risk, and provide practical, mission-aligned recommendations that meet the unique needs and resource constraints of small nonprofit organizations
• Expertise with federal nonprofit advocacy laws (i.e. tax code lobbying limits for public charities, 501(c)(3) nonpartisan advocacy) plus knowledge of related state laws in Texas
• Familiarity with and respect for movement lawyering principles, including an ability to work collaboratively with advocacy organizations and community groups in support of their broader organizing goals
• Demonstrated commitment to pro bono service, racial equity, and the nonprofit sector as a vehicle for social change
• Established relationships with Texas advocacy organizations that could serve as AFJ Law clients
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyer audiences
• Strong organizational skills and capacity to manage a diverse client caseload independently
• Ability to respond quickly to questions and issues with succinct and practical advice and to provide legal counsel geared to the goals and values of nonprofits
• Commitment to AFJ’s mission and goals
• Commitment to cultivating an organizational culture that is equitable, inclusive, and respectful