Lead Attorney - Community Outreach Programs Manager

DESCRIPTION: Medgar Evers College (MEC), a nationally recognized leader in urban-serving education, is one of twenty three colleges within the dynamic City University New York (CUNY) System. Named for the late civil rights leader, Medgar Wiley Evers (1925-1963), the College's mission is to develop and maintain high quality, professional, career-oriented undergraduate degree programs in the context of liberal education.

Located in Central Brooklyn, MEC was established in 1970 with a mandate to meet the educational and social needs of the Central Brooklyn community, currently enrolling 7,000 students in degree programs. The Center for Law and Social Justice (CLSJ) is a unit of MEC whose mission is to provide legal advocacy on community impact issues affecting people of African Descent and the disaffected. Founded in 1986, CLSJ focuses on a wide range of racial justice issues in New York City and beyond. CLSJ undertakes research, advocacy training, legal counseling, community education, public policy advocacy, and litigation.

The Lead Attorney - Community Outreach and Legal Advocacy Programs Manager will:

• Serve as lead staff attorney for the Center for Law and Social Justice (CLSJ) and represent CLSJ in legal matters;
• Be familiar with current voting rights laws, regulations, and issues related to racial justice law and advocacy;
• Supervise legal team members;
• Mentor CLSJ’s law school and pre-law student interns;
• Provide legal counsel and referrals to community organizations and residents;
• Assist in coordinating forums, conferences, and special events; and
• Participate in CLSJ development and fundraising activities

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree and six years' related experience required.

Other qualifications:

• Must have a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Must be licensed to practice law in New York State and be in good standing.
• A minimum of three years of state and federal litigation on civil rights cases.
• Administrative and supervisory experience is a must.
• Prior experience with community-based organization or institutions preferred.
• Public interest litigation experience required.