Senior Supervising Attorney, Inclusion and Anti-Extremism

Southern Poverty Law Center is seeking a Senior Supervising Attorney committed to dismantling white supremacy. This role develops, litigates, and supervises cases against hate groups and other actors perpetrating hateful and extremist activity, advancing the rights of individuals and communities targeted by extremists and hate groups.

Who You Are

• Experienced. Demonstrated experience leading and litigating complex and/or class action cases and campaigns involving constitutional and civil rights, including First Amendment, due process, equal protection rights, the Ku Klux Klan Act, anti-discrimination statutes, public and private torts, and/or digital and cyber law.
• People Manager. Proven success in supervising and developing legal teams, with clear communication of goals, priorities, policies, and processes.
• Effective leader. Established leadership in creating work plans, project management, setting annual goals, and supporting and tracking staff performance.
• Advocate. Experience working with community organizations, grassroots campaigns, and impacted communities, particularly in the Deep South, to dismantle white supremacy.
• Creative. Ability to create vision, think innovatively, and account for capacity and risks in investigating matters, developing cases, and executing strategies.
• Collaborative. Demonstrated ability to work with internal teams, external organizations, co-counsel, and stakeholders to advance SPLC’s mission.
• Communicative. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to persuade diverse audiences.
• Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrated understanding and commitment to SPLC’s mission, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of SPLC’s inclusion and anti-extremism legal advocacy strategies, especially in the Deep South.
• Develop, lead, supervise, consult, and advise on complex civil rights impact cases in federal and state courts and administrative entities.
• Supervise and manage litigation teams, including attorneys, paralegals, analysts, investigators, fellows, and legal interns, providing mentoring and coaching.
• Collaborate with the Deputy Legal Director and Policy Department to advance SPLC’s state, local, and federal policy priorities.
• Work with the Communications Department to develop strategies around cases and campaigns.
• Collaborate with other ALITs and SPLC departments to advance impact goals and campaigns.
• Serve as a public thought leader, representing SPLC in media, conferences, and public venues.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, coalition members, and legal allies.
• Hire, mentor, train, and monitor staff performance and development, conducting performance reviews.
• Uphold SPLC’s JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners.
• Perform other duties as required within the scope of the role.

Qualifications

• At least eight (8) years of federal court civil litigation or comparable legal experience.
• At least two (2) years of supervisor experience managing legal professionals.
• Membership in good standing of at least one state bar in the United States, preferably Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, or Washington, D.C.
• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Pay

This is an exempt role with a minimum starting salary of $164,300 annually. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits are available to SPLC staff. View benefits details.

Schedule

• Local Remote: Expected to attend work-related activities at SPLC offices and in operating states, including trainings, meetings, events, hearings, and court appearances.
• Telework: Eligible to work two days (16 hours) per week from an alternative work location.

This position reports to the Deputy Legal Director, Inclusion & Anti-Extremism ALIT.