GENERAL COUNSEL TO CIW AND THE FAIR FOOD PROGRAM

About CIW

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) is a non-profit human rights organization, based in Immokalee, Florida. Internationally recognized for its achievements in the field of corporate accountability—with a particular focus on the fight against human trafficking, forced labor and gender-based violence at work—the CIW is built on a foundation of farmworker community organizing reinforced by a national consumer network. The CIW’s work encompasses three broad and overlapping spheres: (1) the Fair Food Program; (2) the Anti-Slavery Program; and (3) the Campaign for Fair Food.
After more than a decade of implementation, CIW’s Fair Food Program is widely recognized—including as the recipient of a Presidential Medal—as the gold standard in prevention of long-entrenched abuses for the most vulnerable workers in corporate supply chains. The Fair Food Program pioneered the innovative Worker-driven Social Responsibility (WSR) model, which has been adapted to protect workers in multiple new industries and geographies, and the CIW works closely with allied organizations to support the design and implementation of new WSR programs.

About NCLEJ

The National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ) advances racial and economic justice for low-income families, individuals, and communities across the country, using groundbreaking impact litigation, policy advocacy, and support for grassroots organizing. NCLEJ works to build systems that provide economic security and full participation in society to all. Our current advocacy focuses on: (1) safeguarding access to government benefits; (2) advancing the rights of lower wage workers; (3) combating abusive debt collection and wealth extraction; and (4) advocating for disability rights and disability justice. We litigate extensively in federal and state courts across the country, typically as lead counsel in class actions, and we partner with grassroots and community-based organizations, other legal organizations, and the private bar.

Job Description
The location of the successful candidate is negotiable, but would ideally be based in Florida, New York City, or Washington, D.C. The General Counsel will be employed by the National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ), an allied nonprofit law firm, which has its office in New York City. The General Counsel will supervise an Associate General Counsel who is currently based in Washington, D.C.

The General Counsel will oversee all legal matters relevant to the CIW’s programs (particularly the Fair Food Program), campaigns, policy advocacy, and daily operations. The legal work needed to support the CIW is wide-ranging, complex, and requires creativity and comfort with exploring new terrain. The ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the CIW’s experience and expertise.

The General Counsel will play a lead role in contract drafting, negotiation, and enforcement of the legally binding agreements that underpin the FFP; provide legal counsel in support of CIW’s campaigns and expansion of its operations in the U.S. and internationally, including both expansion of the Fair Food Program itself and collaboration with other groups seeking to adapt its WSR model to new industries and geographies. As an employee of NCLEJ, the General Counsel may also provide legal counsel to other WSR organizations and programs.

The General Counsel will provide legal advice on the full range of general practice issues, such as human resources and intellectual property, necessary to ensure the smooth operation and success of the CIW. In the event the CIW is involved in litigation, the General Counsel will manage that litigation, typically with the support of pro bono outside counsel. The General Counsel will assist with CIW’s efforts to advocate for improved government policies, especially as relates to human rights in supply chains.

Qualifications
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in a state bar, plus a willingness to sit for the Florida Bar Exam (if not already admitted to practice in Florida)
• 7+ years of active legal practice, including litigation in state or federal court
• An understanding of the intersection of law and organizing
• Appreciation of and ability to support the expansion of CIW’s Worker-driven Social Responsibility (WSR) strategy and model
• Superior critical, analytical, and strategic thinking and writing skills
• Knowledge and experience related to contract negotiation and enforcement, human rights, supply chains, and/or labor and employment law.
• Commitment to using human rights principles to support movements that protect and promote the rights of poor and working people
• Knowledge and experience related to representing low-wage workers and immigrants
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team while always centering the client
• Good sense of humor
• Availability to travel
• Ability to speak Spanish strongly preferred
• Overseas experience a plus

Salary and Benefits

Salary is based on experience according to NCLEJ’s salary scale, and lawyers receive annual pay raises as they move up the scale. The current salary scale, starting with lawyers who have 7 years of experience, ranges from $93,844 - $139,622.
NCLEJ has a generous benefits package including medical and prescription, dental, and vision insurances through Aetna. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans that are 100% employer premium sponsored with additional buy up options; Open Paid Time Off, which allows for flexibility for personal, vacation, and sick time to be taken as needed, and at a minimum of 2 weeks per year; 12 paid holidays per year; FSA plan options for medical, childcare, and transit expenses; various Employee Assistance Programs; paid life and AD&D insurance; additional voluntary benefits, for example, but not limited to legal services, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, pet insurance, additional life insurance or AD&D insurance, and identity theft protection; and generous employer contributions to individuals’ 403(b) plans.

Vaccination Requirement

To help ensure that NCLEJ continues to operate in the safest manner possible, NCLEJ requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Requests for medical and/or religious exemptions from the vaccination requirement will be considered on an individual basis, to the extent required by law.

Equal Opportunity

NCLEJ is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people from other historically disenfranchised communities to apply. NCLEJ does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital or parental status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NCLEJ makes every effort to assure that its recruitment and employment provide all qualified individuals, including individuals with disabilities, with full opportunities for fellowships and employment in all positions.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Application Details

This position is open immediately and will be filled as soon as possible. Please submit a resume and cover letter via this link: https://ideali.st/Nrataq Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; we guarantee consideration for applications received by March 1, 2024.

NCLEJ is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying, please contact Leah Lotto ([email protected]). If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.