Entry Level Attorney

Civil Rights Corps (CRC) is a non-profit civil rights organization based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2016, CRC challenges wealth-based and race-based systems of oppression. We work to shift power to community-led movements, particularly those led by Black and Brown people who are most affected by this legal system, so they can build sufficient power to create structural change. We work with individuals accused and convicted of crimes, their families and communities, people currently or formerly incarcerated, activists, organizers, judges, and government officials to challenge mass human caging, to create a legal system that promotes equality and human freedom, and to dismantle white supremacy. Civil Rights Corps engages in advocacy and public education and specializes in innovative, systemic civil rights litigation with the goal of re-sensitizing the legal system and our culture to the injustice and brutality that characterize the contemporary U.S. legal system.

CRC has won groundbreaking litigation challenging the rise of debtors’ prisons, abusive private probation schemes, and wealth-based pre-trial detention. CRC works closely with community partners and is committed to fundamentally transforming the criminal system. CRC’s staff is comprised of passionate and dedicated advocates with a profound commitment to social justice and fighting inequality in all its forms. Learn more about our work at civilrightscorps.org.

Job Description

CRC seeks candidates for an entry level attorney position starting in Fall 2024. Entry level attorneys substantively collaborate with other CRC staff and external partners on cutting-edge, systemic litigation. Although it is not required, candidates are invited to apply for funding for fellowships funded by other organizations  with the understanding that the focus of the fellowship will be mutually agreed upon by CRC and the attorney.

Qualifications

The ideal CRC attorney is passionate about racial and social justice, humble, hardworking, a fast learner, proactive, able to juggle multiple tasks, and able to work well in a collaborative environment. Specific qualifications we are looking for include:

●    J.D. degree and the ability to be admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia.

●    Demonstrated commitment to the mission, purpose, and values of CRC.

●    Race and identity competency, ability to understand and navigate issues of identity, power, and privilege with clients, partners and colleagues;

●    Excellent writing, research, and complex legal analysis skills;

●    Excellent communication and public speaking skills;

●    Experience working with diverse populations, with those directly impacted by the criminal legal system, and on behalf of low-income clients;

●    Demonstrated ability to take initiative, establish priorities, and work independently with minimal supervision;

●    Innovative thinking, an unwillingness to accept things as they are, and a strong work ethic.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time exempt position; preference will be given to candidates based in or willing to relocate to Washington, D.C., but remote candidates will be considered. Salary is determined based on years of legal experience and will be in the range of $67,000 - $85,000.

Civil Rights Corps offers an outstanding benefits package, including employer- paid health, vision, and dental benefits; transit benefits; an annual wellness benefit; retirement matching; and paid sick, family, and unlimited vacation leave. This position is included within United Civil Rights Workers, the CRC workers’ union.

Application Requirements

To apply, please submit (1) a cover letter (if you are applying for the position as a potential fellow, please include a description of an issue or area on which you would like to focus, along with information about funding for the fellowship); (2) a resume; (3) an unofficial law school transcript; (4) a writing sample; and (5) three professional references. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will give priority to those submitted by May 29, 2023. Materials should be addressed to jobs@civilrightscorps.org. Please include your name and “Fall 2024 Entry Level Attorney” in the subject line.

Civil Rights Corps is an equal opportunity employer. We greatly value a diverse workforce and management team and an inclusive culture. Civil Rights Corps is committed to promoting an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices for its clients and staff.