Assistant Director of Litigation and Advocacy

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) is a non-profit law firm serving the 22 parishes east of the Atchafalaya basin. We have offices in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, Houma and New Orleans. We provide free civil legal aid to low-income households.

Assistant Director of Litigation and Advocacy
The Assistant Director of Litigation and Advocacy will work with the Litigation & Advocacy Director to oversee the development of the firm’s major/complex litigation and law and systems reform advocacy. The focus of this position will be primarily on the firm’s housing justice work centered around tenant rights, eviction defense, subsidized housing terminations, affordable housing advocacy, housing justice advocacy with local, state, and federal governmental entities, appellate work, and impact litigation. This is a managerial position that in addition will provide leadership and direction to the firm’s Housing Law Unit. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, working remotely and from the New Orleans office.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
The Assistant Director of Litigation and Advocacy receives direction from the Litigation & Advocacy Director or designee.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
As delegated by the Litigation Director or Executive Director provides supervision to advocacy staff. This position assists in training and mentoring SLLS staff. This position may also assist in supervising the work of assigned staff in the agency’s New Orleans Tenant’s Rights Unit.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Member of the Louisiana Bar or willing to take the first available exam.
Five years of experience in the practice of law preferred.
Record of addressing issues our clients face with successful systemic advocacy that has changed the systems with which our clients interact
Substantial experience in complex and sophisticated litigation in federal and state civil trial and appellate practice preferred.
Comprehensive knowledge and familiarity with poverty law and experience working with low-income clients, marginalized populations, and communities of color.
Demonstrated supervisory and organizational skills and ability to work closely with executive leadership and SLLS attorney staff program-wide.
A genuine interest in the firm and its mission of helping low-income and other vulnerable people achieve justice through direct casework, advocacy, and community legal education and its mission of a more just society.
This position will be full-time with a salary range of $72,000 – $97,000, depending on experience. Additional compensation for bilingualism.
SLLS full-time employees are prohibited from engaging in the outside practice of law.
To apply provide a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample (excerpt is sufficient showing legal analysis) to SLLS H.R. Manager, Shannan Latino, [email protected].
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.