ACLU Foundation of Georgia

The ACLU Foundation of Georgia, Inc. invites applications for the position of Legal Program Director in our office in Atlanta, Georgia. The ACLU Foundation of Georgia is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union and is a private, non-profit organization that works to promote and defend civil liberties in Georgia through legal, legislative, community organizing, and public education programs. The ACLU of Georgia Foundation handles a broad range of constitutional cases in federal and state court including discrimination, racial justice, free speech, religious freedom, reproductive rights, GLBT rights and privacy. The ACLU Foundation of Georgia litigates through direct representation and the filing of amicus curiae briefs. The Legal Program Director reports to the Executive Director and is part of a dynamic team of six staff and many volunteers who work to promote and defend the principles of freedom, justice and equality in Georgia.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct litigation in federal and state court in civil rights and constitutional law, including all aspects of discovery, motion practice, briefs, trials, appellate work and amicus briefs.
• Research civil liberties issues that arise.
• Draft legal memoranda, demand letters and advocacy letters.
• Prepare and present selected cases to the Legal Committee for evaluation.
• Recruit and coordinate ACLU cases with cooperating attorneys.
• Supervise and manage law clerks.
• Coordinate legal intake and ensure that intake is properly evaluated and processed.
• Engage in public speaking and articulate ACLU views to the public and the media
• Draft reports of litigation activities for distribution to board, members and the general public.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the legal staff at the national ACLU, its projects, and other affiliates of the ACLU.
• Maintain requisite CLE requirements.
  

Job Qualifications:

• J.D. degree.
• Admitted to the Georgia Bar, or admitted to the Bar of another State and prepared to promptly apply for admission to Georgia Bar and take next Georgia Bar exam if necessary.
• Exceptional analytical, writing and speaking skills.
• Litigation experience (clerkship, fellowship or law school internship will be considered.)
• Broad substantive knowledge of, and strong interest in, civil liberties issues and Constitutional law; commitment to mission of the ACLU.
• Self-motivated and able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to juggle numerous cases and several tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to develop and implement non-litigation strategies, including advocacy.
• Willingness to work beyond confines of the normal business day when required to do so.
• Travel when necessary
• Computer literacy, including computerized legal research, Excel and MS Word.
• Strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude and ability to thrive in a small office.
• Sense of humor.
• ACLU experience a plus.

Compensation:

Salary range is mid-$40's, depending on experience. Generous benefits package, including paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, employer-paid health and life insurance, pension plan, bar dues and CLE.

Application:

Applicants should submit a resume, a 5-10 page writing sample, names and contact information for three references, a law school transcript (if less than five years’ experience) and a cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position. It is strongly preferred that applications be sent via email to:

ACLU Foundation of Georgia, Inc.
dseagraves@acluga.org
or
Debbie Seagraves, Executive Director
ACLU Foundation of Georgia, Inc.
75 Piedmont Avenue
Suite 514
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2007.

The ACLU Foundation of Georgia, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All interested individuals, including women, people of color, LGBT persons, people over 55 and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.