The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, and the ACLU of Utah Foundation, (collectively
the “ACLU of Utah”), a statewide affiliate of the national ACLU and a public interest
organization devoted to the defense of the Bill of Rights, invites applications for the position
of Legal Director. This position will coordinate and manage all aspects of its litigation
program. The office is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The ACLU of Utah is a private, non-profit organization that promotes and defends civil
liberties principles in Utah through advocacy, litigation, public education and lobbying.
The Legal Director will enhance the ability of the ACLU of Utah to bring about systemic
change through impact-driven litigation, that builds upon a network of highly qualified
volunteer attorneys. The ACLU of Utah wants to build a more robust and strategic legal
docket. The Legal Director will work in a wide range of civil liberties areas, including the
current priority areas of racial justice, religious liberties, privacy and technology, immigrant
rights and participatory democracy. Other areas of advocacy include student rights,
freedom of speech, gay and lesbian rights, criminal justice and police accountability. Job
duties include non-litigation advocacy of community outreach, coalition building, writing
and publishing reports, planning and participating in public meetings, and media interviews.
This is a remarkable opportunity for a visionary attorney to build on the success of the
premier civil liberties and civil rights organization in Utah.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Supervise all ACLU of Utah litigation in state and federal court and participate directly as counsel or as co-counsel in all phases of litigation.
- Recruit, encourage and retain ACLU cooperating attorneys.
- Monitor litigation being handled by cooperating attorneys and provide back up assistance as needed.
- Research, investigate, develop, and present selected potential cases to the ACLU of Utah legal panel for evaluation.
- Raise the profile and efficacy of ACLU-initiated litigation in Utah.
- Review requests for legal assistance and supervise legal intake.
- Supervise law student interns and legal externs.
- Develop and maintain relationships with legal staff at the national ACLU, its projects, other ACLU affiliates, and Utah attorneys.
- Engage in public speaking, organize continuing legal education training as appropriate, draft press releases, op-ed pieces and newsletter/website articles
- Provide legal assistance and back up to the Legislative and Policy Counsel. The Legal Director reports to the Executive Director. The Legal Director collaborates with other staff including the Legislative and Policy Counsel, to coordinate the Litigation Program with other ACLU of Utah programs such as Legislation and Public Policy, Education, and Outreach and Development.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years membership in the Utah State Bar, or another state bar -if prepared to obtain admission to the Utah Bar as soon as possible (extraordinary candidates with less experience may be considered);
- Proven civil litigation experience;
- Substantive knowledge of constitutional law and civil liberties;
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and the mission of the ACLU;
- Ability to develop and implement short and long-term litigation strategies;
- Exceptional analytic, research, writing and oral advocacy skills, including the capacity to act quickly- and competently- under pressure;
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills;
- Strong self-motivation;
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively.
Helpful Skills & Experience:
- Criminal law and/or appellate experience;
- Familiarity with the Utah legal community;
- Experience working with diverse communities, clients and coalition partners;
- Spanish speaking and writing ability;
- Experience working with legislative processes;
- An understanding of organizations (particularly non-profit organizations) and an ability to work with others in a number of different capacities.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, life, disability
coverage and retirement, as well as an excellent holiday and vacation package. Bar dues,
liability insurance and CLE expenses provided by ACLU.
Application Procedure:
Submit, preferably by email, a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript (if in practice
less than 5 years), and a list of three professional references, including contact information
to aclu@acluutah.org. Or, mail the information to Legal Director Search, ACLU of Utah, 355
North 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84103.
Application Deadline:
Applications will be reviewed beginning October 19th. The deadline will remain open until the position is filled.
The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, LGBT
persons, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.