Staff Attorney

Employment Status: Regular, Full Time 

FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt 

Location: Montpelier, Vermont 

Compensation: $80,000 to $90,000 

Scope: Funding for this position has been approved for at least three years, with the possibility of extension.

Start Date: Target February 1, or as soon after as possible

Position Summary

The ACLU of Vermont seeks a highly motivated and skilled Staff Attorney to conduct litigation and related advocacy in the ACLU of Vermont’s Legal Program. The Staff Attorney will work on the ACLU of Vermont’s priority issues, with a focus on developing our state court litigation docket and prioritizing communities most likely to be the targets of the incoming presidential administration.

Recognizing that our democracy faces unprecedented challenges, the ACLU of Vermont is ambitiously scaling our statewide advocacy, expanding our litigation and advocacy programs and reconceptualizing the traditional roles of impact litigators as we prepare to meet this moment. We are also committed to fostering a strong internal culture of belonging, with an emphasis on inclusive and equitable practices and organizational diversity.

We are a passionate, highly motivated group of lawyers, public policy experts, organizers, and communications and development professionals, and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team. To learn more about the ACLU of Vermont, visit our website.

Position Location

The ACLU of Vermont currently follows a hybrid office policy with program-specific in-office expectations. The Staff Attorney will be expected to work from our Montpelier office on a schedule to be set in conversation with their supervisor.

Responsibilities

The Staff Attorney will work within the Legal Program under the supervision of the Legal Director and in collaboration with our other programs. The attorney will be involved in investigation, client interviewing, legal and factual research, discovery, brief writing, and court hearings. In addition, the attorney will engage in non-litigation advocacy, including policy work, public speaking, and community engagement.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Maintain and develop an ambitious impact litigation docket that advances ACLU strategic priorities and responds to immediate or emerging threats to Vermonters’ rights and liberties.
• Investigate, develop, and litigate high-impact civil liberties and civil rights cases in federal and state court—with a particular focus on the state constitution and state courts. This could include: reviewing and responding to requests for assistance; conducting factual and legal research; preparing memoranda; drafting public records requests; writing demand letters; drafting pleadings and briefs; conducting discovery; helping write appellate and amicus briefs; negotiating settlements; presenting oral argument; and handling trials.
• Communicate with clients; answer client questions and manage class member interactions in ongoing litigation.
• Supervise and mentor fellows and/or interns.
• Review, comment on, and edit letters and briefs of co-counsel and other ACLU staff.
• Work with volunteer lawyers to screen and develop promising cases; manage relationships with volunteer lawyers and facilitate coordinated responses with coalition partners and other Vermont legal institutions.
• Assist in day-to-day operations and support other Legal Program work, as needed.
• Develop equitable and reciprocal relationships with community organizations and networks – particularly community members impacted by policing and incarceration and racial justice initiatives led by people of color – and help advance the organization’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in both its internal and external-facing work.
• Work with ACLU staff to implement integrated advocacy campaigns and high-impact strategies utilizing ACLU’s advocacy, communications, development, and legal programs.
• Organize and participate in community meetings and events.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ litigation experience strongly preferred, though we encourage more experienced attorneys to apply, too. Must be admitted to the Vermont bar or become admitted to the Vermont bar within one year of hire.
• Demonstrated interest and/or background in constitutional and civil rights law, and demonstrated commitment to the cause of social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights; committed to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission, goals, and programs.
• Exceptional writing, legal and policy research, and analytical skills. Excellent communication skills to both legal and non-legal audiences.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, both in the workplace and in collaboration with community partners and constituents. Proven ability to work with emotional intelligence, receive feedback, work through conflict with integrity, and operate within principles of solidarity when working in partnership with constituencies impacted by oppression. Proven ability to work in a manner that respects differences in race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance. Demonstrated knowledge of – or commitment to building or deepening understanding of – racial equity.
• Ideal candidate is a creative, flexible, well-organized, and reliable person who can handle and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities and manage a demanding schedule; a collaborative team player who is able to work independently, jointly, and under pressure; willing to learn; and a self-starter and finisher.
• Proficiency with computers: Windows and Microsoft Office Suite in particular.
• Willing to travel and to work irregular hours as needed, including evening and weekend meetings.
• Fluency in Spanish or other non-English language widely spoken in Vermont is preferred, but not required.

Even if you do not see yourself fully reflected in the precise responsibilities and qualifications listed above, we nevertheless encourage you to apply. As the ACLU of Vermont’s legal program is considering new models for doing our work, we are eager to learn how your particular skills and expertise could contribute to advancing our priorities.

Compensation and Benefits

We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce through equity initiatives, which include equitable pay practices. Competitive compensation is commensurate with experience. Starting salary range for this position is $80,000-$90,000. This position has approved funding for at least three years with the possibility of extension.  

We understand how vital our work is and at the same time understand the toll engaged activism can take. Our goal is to retain staff and we believe that having a robust benefits offering is vital in meeting that goal. Our benefits include fully employer-paid medical and dental insurance for staff members, their dependents, and spouse or domestic partner; life insurance and disability; defined contribution plan with employer match; and generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 14 paid holidays. This position is full-time, salaried, and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

How to Apply

• Email a cover letter, resume, and two short writing samples (5-10 pages) to [email protected]  
• Include in the subject line of the email: your last name and “Staff Attorney”
• Your cover letter should describe your qualifications, including your cultural competency to work with a diverse team and effectively partner with historically marginalized communities. In your letter, please also indicate where you learned of the posting.
• We will begin reviewing applications on December 9th, and will continue to accept additional applications until the position is filled, at which time the job listing will be removed from our website.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility accommodation requests during the application or hiring process.  

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Hiring  

ACLU-VT is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive office culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. ACLU-VT strongly encourages applications from all identities. No applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or prior involvement in the criminal justice system. 

About ACLU of Vermont

The ACLU of Vermont integrates impact litigation, policy advocacy, organizing, public education, and strategic communications to defend and advance civil liberties for all people across a broad range of constitutionally protected rights and freedoms. Founded in 1967 and based in Montpelier, the ACLU of Vermont is the statewide affiliate of the national ACLU, a nationwide organization with a presence in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. The ACLU fights tirelessly for the principle that every individual’s rights must be protected equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or national origin.