General Counsel

Responsibilities

Litigation and Case Management

• Direct and manage LJP’s litigation docket across its various focus areas.
• Identify and develop new litigation matters aligned with organizational priorities and ensure effective execution.
• Lead selected cases and manage an active litigation docket.
• Oversee the provision of legal services, referrals, and information to community members in designated jurisdictions under current New York State contracts.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with allied civil rights groups and co-counsel.
• Collaborate with the Chief of Advocacy to align litigation efforts with non-litigation and advocacy priorities.
• Travel as needed for litigation, conferences, and client outreach.

Supervision and Management

• Supervise and lead the Legal Department, providing guidance and mentorship to all legal staff.
• Develop professional growth opportunities for Legal Department staff.
• Conduct regular, constructive performance evaluations to support the professional development of staff.
• Ensure staff understand and follow LJP policies, protocols, and any updates or changes.

Senior Leadership Team

• Contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team in developing and implementing the organization’s strategic mission.

Communications and Development

• Serve as a public spokesperson, working with Communications staff to maintain and raise the organization’s public profile.
• Act as the primary Legal Department liaison with other departments regarding media, communications, and fundraising efforts.
• Work with the Development Department to prepare grant proposals and reports, ensuring legal staff contribute to communications and development activities.
• Ensure compliance with grant deliverables related to litigation and direct legal services.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree.
• Admission to the New York, Florida, or Texas Bar (or other state bar where LJP conducts litigation).
• Demonstrated commitment to civil rights, social justice, and advancing human rights for Latinos.
• At least 15 years of federal and state litigation experience, including complex and affirmative class action cases.
• Minimum of six years of experience in supervising and managing legal professionals.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with public speaking experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills, high emotional intelligence, and adept at managing relationships and difficult conversations.
• Committed to values of transparency, respect, integrity, accountability, equity, and inclusion in leadership and management.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and handle multiple tasks.
• Proven ability to make clear, sound decisions under pressure.
• Flexible and adaptable, with excellent multitasking and prioritization skills.
• History of successful collaboration with diverse communities and individuals.
• Fluency in Spanish and experience creating community education resources in Spanish is highly preferred.