Director of Litigation
Application Deadline: Recruiting until filled. Screening will begin immediately
Location: Hybrid (Raleigh, NC)
Department: Litigation
Hiring Salary Range: $126,183 – $140,203
Reports to: Executive Director
Union Status: Non-Union
Job Overview:
The Director of Litigation serves as the lead litigator (95% of role) and primary legal advisor (5% of role) for the North Carolina Justice Center. The NC Justice Center is a leading nonprofit dedicated to eliminating poverty in North Carolina by ensuring that every household has access to the resources, services, and fair treatment needed to achieve economic security. Effective performance of this job requires a person who is an effective communicator and passionate about fostering a positive workplace culture.
Key Responsibilities:
Legal Strategy and Compliance
Provide legal guidance on nonprofit governance, corporate compliance and risk management
Develop internal policies to ensure legal and ethical operations
Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local laws governing nonprofits, including tax-exempt status, lobbying limitations, and reporting obligations
Ensure compliance with employment laws
Oversee the whole legal practice at the NC Justice Center
Lead selected litigation cases
Supervision responsibilities are dominant in this role. In addition to direct supervision of several staff, this role has cross functional oversight for all practicing attorneys at the NC Justice Center
Manage relationship with private Bar and pro bono coordination
Serves as Liaison to the NC Bar Association for any complaints against NC Justice Center attorneys
Funds Development
Manage the Interest on Lawyers Trust Account grant
Source new grants to support litigation activities
Contract Management and Negotiation
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including vendor agreements, Memorandums of Understanding, grants, and partnership agreements
Ensure that contracts align with NC Justice Center mission, financial interests and legal obligations
Advocacy and Litigation Support
Provide legal support for advocacy campaigns, policy initiatives, and legislative efforts
Collaborate with external counsel on litigation strategies and case management, when necessary
Ensure compliance with laws related to lobbying, grassroots advocacy and political activity
Board and Executive Leadership Support
Serve as legal advisor to the Board of Directors, preparing governance documents, bylaws, and policies
Assist in structuring board meetings and ensuring compliance with fiduciary duties and governance best practices
Collaboration and External Engagement
Liaise with government agencies, funders, community organizations, advocacy groups, and mission-driven nonprofits
Represents NC Justice Center in legal matters and public engagements, as needed
Qualifications:
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership of the North Carolina Bar.
Ten years of progressive legal practice experience, with a strong background in social justice or public interest law.
Five years of experience in management role, with full supervisory responsibilities within a private, government, or nonprofit law practice.
Knowledge of non-profit governance, tax-exempt compliance, and employment law.
A passionate commitment to DEI principles.
Licenses and Certifications:
NC Bar
Competencies and Skills:
Strong commitment to social justice, equity, and human rights
Excellent legal research, writing and analytical skills
Ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-lawyers clearly and effectively
Strategic thinking with a proactive and solutions-orientated approach
Advanced leadership practice skills
High ethical standards, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality
Ability to successfully work in a fast-paced highly collaborative work environment
Advanced level Microsoft 365 Office Suite skills
Physical Requirements:
The employee should have the ability to maintain focus and productivity while performing sedentary tasks at a workstation for prolonged periods, including working on a computer, managing documents, or engaging in virtual meetings.
To apply follow the link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3067794