Director of Housing Advocacy and Litigation Clinic

Rising for Justice (“RFJ”) invites applications for the Director of Housing Advocacy and Litigation Clinic (“HALC”) position. The incumbent will serve on the organization’s leadership team and have responsibility for the management of RFJ’s long-standing and highly regarded law school clinical program.

About Rising for Justice

Created in 1969, RFJ, formerly known as D.C. Law Students in Court (“LSIC”), is the oldest clinical legal education program in the District of Columbia. RFJ currently operates as a public interest legal services provider and clinical education program. RFJ’s mission is to leverage the collective forces of students and experienced advocates to achieve justice for all. RFJ embraces equal justice and diversity as core values.
RFJ’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination includes race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, personal appearance, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, family responsibilities, disability, status as a veteran, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law or regulation.

Job Description:

The Director of the Housing Advocacy and Litigation Clinic (HALC) manages the law school clinical program embedded in Rising for Justice’s (RFJ) Tenant Justice Program. This is a management position and is part of RFJ’s senior leadership team. This position reports to the Director of the Tenant Justice Program or the Executive Director’s designee. HALC enrolls student attorneys from Georgetown University Law Center and George Washington University Law School. Students are supervised by clinical supervising attorneys who report to the HALC Director.

Duties & Responsibilities:

This position is expected to serve as a model of excellent workplace practices and is responsible for managing all aspects of RFJ’s clinical teaching program, including the following:

• Conducting annual updates and periodic revisions to the clinical curriculum, course syllabi, orientation materials, case practice protocols, and related educational materials to conform with best practices.
• Developing and managing the implementation of standards applicable to case practice and student supervision.
• Monitoring supervision practices on an ongoing basis through periodic meetings with clinical supervising attorneys to ensure that appropriate instructional standards are being implemented and providing remedial and other supports to supervising attorneys as needed.
• Collaborating with colleagues on RFJ’s senior leadership team on strategic planning initiatives related to enhancing the organization’s programs and leading strategic planning initiatives related to HALC.
• Serving as a liaison with participating law schools to ensure timely satisfaction of law school requirements related to student participation in HALC.
• Managing the law student recruitment process and administrative processes related to clinic operations.
• Supervising attorneys, administrative staff, and paralegal(s) assigned to HALC and overseeing all HALC operations to ensure conformity with organizational policy.
• In collaboration with RFJ’s Development & Communications Unit, drafting grant applications and reports related to funding sources that support HALC’s work and in promoting HALC to both internal and external audiences.

Salary and Benefits:

RFJ salaries are set on a scale based on years of experience. RFJ offers an excellent benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous sick, annual, and personal leave; life and disability insurance; and paid federal and local holidays.