The William E. Morris Institute for Justice is seeking an Executive Director/ Director of Litigation. Founded in 1996, the Institute is a non-profit state-wide program with a mission to promote justice and opportunity for low-income and underrepresented Arizonans through systemic advocacy. Our office is in Phoenix and we currently have an Executive Director/Director of Litigation, a staff attorney, a secretary (part-time) and lobbyist (part-time).
The Institute works closely with legal services programs and community groups throughout Arizona to identify systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations. The Institute’s advocacy encompasses administrative and legislative advocacy and class action/major policy litigation. Our work includes the substantive areas of access to public benefits (such as food stamps, Medicaid and subsidized housing), unemployment insurance, language access for persons with limited English proficiency, fee waivers and deferrals for court fees and costs, fair practices for tenants in eviction cases, fair housing issues in general, the rights of victims of domestic violence and re-entry issues for persons with criminal histories (such as second or fair chance initiatives).
The Institute has a long history of significant achievements in litigation and advocacy. We have successfully challenged Medicaid waivers and the state’s failure to timely process food stamp applications. Recent activities and cases include: federal litigation to challenge the state Medicaid program’s improper reduction of benefits for immigrants; amicus participation in the Arizona Supreme Court in support of consumers for a specific statute of limitations in debt collection cases; objections filed with the federal government concerning the state Medicaid program’s waiver applications; housing complaint filed with HUD and DOJ against the City of Phoenix Section 8 voucher program for Title VI and ADA violations; written comments and public testimony in opposition to food stamp rules resulting in rules being pulled; successful negotiations with the State over notices and policies in the food stamp program; petitions for court rule changes in the processing of eviction cases; and legislative advocacy on behalf of low-income Arizonans.
The Executive Director/Director of Litigation reports to the Institute’s Board of Directors and is responsible for the management and oversight of all aspects of the Institute’s legal and advocacy work and supervising staff.
Job Responsibilities
- Identify systemic advocacy issues suitable for Institute work and develop a strategic approach to resolving the matters.
- Take the lead on developing and handling litigation.
- Coordinate advocacy with other legal services programs and community groups on issues affecting low income Arizonans.
- Engage in legislative advocacy efforts with Institute lobbyist.
- Testify before administrative bodies and at the state legislature.
- Supervise other staff.
- Manage budget, grants, and fund raising.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated strong commitment and passion for equal justice for low-income, immigrant, and other vulnerable populations. Familiarity with the Institute’s focus areas is a plus.
- J.D. and membership in or eligibility for membership in the Arizona Bar by motion (5 years legal experience in state that has reciprocity with Arizona) or by taking next available Bar exam. At least 8 years of relevant legal experience. Exceptional candidates with less experience will be considered.
- Experience in class action/major policy litigation, including conducting discovery, preferred.
- Excellent skills in research, legal analysis, writing, communication, organization, and public speaking.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively and to juggle multiple tasks under time restraints.
- Proficiency with law office technology and software.
Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and contact information for three professional references to Josh Bendor, [email protected]. Position open immediately and will remain open until filled. The Institute intends to begin conducting interviews on June 1, 2019.
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