Director of Litigation

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Job location
Hybrid (Raleigh, NC)
Raleigh, NC, NC
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
North Carolina Justice Center
City: 
Raleigh
State: 
North Carolina
ZIP: 
27601
Job type: 
Other
Position Description: 

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

Requirements: 

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.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$126,183 – $140,203
Submission deadline: 
Wednesday, March 26, 2025