Attorney

About the role

The OpportunityChicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights seeks an experienced voting rights attorney to join our Midwest Voting Rights Program at a critical moment for American democracy. This role will be based in Michigan, with a requirement of regular travel within the state.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with state-based organizations and coalitions from communities impacted by systemic racism, including organizations serving voters of color, system-impacted voters, voters with limited English proficiency, naturalized citizens, voters with disabilities, and Indigenous voters
• Provide brief advice and legal opinions to community partners across Michigan upon request
• Plan and participate in community education and outreach in support of advocacy goals, including in underserved areas
• Support Election Protection initiatives in Michigan—including volunteer attorney recruitment, training, and deployment via 866-OUR-VOTE—and partner with and advocate to election officials, following the lead of Michigan’s robust Election Protection coalition
• Support and expand pro bono relationships with law firms serving as co-counsel
• Conduct presentations to stakeholders, including legislators, advocates, election officials, and media in Michigan, as requested by state and community partners
• Conduct impact litigation in Michigan state and federal courts challenging systemic barriers to voting and representation, including discriminatory laws, policies, and procedures
• Collaboratively develop and build upon federal and state civil rights legal theories and build local expertise
• File rapid response litigation against barriers affecting Michigan voters and support stakeholders who face intimidation or attack

Requirements

• Based in Michigan, with required regular travel within the state and periodic travel to the Chicago office for team meetings, trainings, and program-wide convenings
• J.D. and admission to the Michigan Bar
• At least 5 years of combined experience in civil rights litigation, policy advocacy, and/or experience advancing voting rights, including 3+ years litigation experience
• Demonstrated impact litigation experience, including federal court practice (6th Circuit experience preferred)
• Established working relationships with voting rights organizations and/or coalitions in Michigan (candidates should be prepared to describe specific coalitions and partners they have worked with and the nature of those relationships)
• Deep commitment to racial justice and community-driven advocacy
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Strong analytical skills, attention to details and accuracy
• Excellent people skills, especially the ability to communicate effectively with a diversity of groups and individuals
• Cross-cultural competencies and self-awareness around issues of power, privilege, and difference

Qualifications

• Ability to adapt approach to the specific interests of a given client or community
• Experience supervising attorneys, fellows, or program staff
• Experience with Election Protection (either as a volunteer or as a coordinator)
• Experience working in northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula or based in that area
• Experience in criminal defense
• Familiarity with cyber and election security concerns
• Bridges to communities served, where applicable

Skills

• Community-driven advocacy skill set

Benefits

• Salary range is $70,000–$108,000 per year depending on experience
• 15 vacation days per year for years 1–2, increasing to 20 vacation days after two years of continuous service, plus 2 personal days
• Health, dental, basic life, short-term disability, long-term disability, and Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary vision, life, critical illness, and accident insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

Pay

Salary range is $70,000–$108,000 per year depending on experience ($70,000–$89,500 for applicants under 8 years of experience / $90,000–$108,000 for applicants with at least 8 years of experience).

Schedule

This is a state-based role. The attorney will be based in Michigan and bring established relationships with state coalitions, organizations, and community-based partners.