The mission of Equal Justice Works is to create a just society by mobilizing the next generation of lawyers committed to equal justice.

Equal Justice Works is a recognized leader in the public interest law movement. We provide a continuum of opportunity that begins with incoming law school students and extends into later careers in the profession. From advocating for law school programs that instill public service values among students, to creating summer and postgraduate public interest jobs, to addressing the staggering educational debt that blocks lawyers from going into public service, Equal Justice Works inspires and provides opportunities for the legal community to change lives, make careers, and deliver on the promise of justice for all.

Please note Equal Justice Works only posts internal job announcements. We recommnend visiting Idealist, NALP, NLADA or PsLawNet for posting job opportunities.

 

Equal Justice Works is currently seeking to fill the following positions:

• 08/31/10 Recruitment and Program Development Specialist, Public Defender Corps
• 08/31/10 Senior Program Manager, Fellowship Sponsor Relations
• 08/11/10 Law School Advocacy and Outreach Intern – Fall 2010
• 08/05/10 Director of Development
• 08/05/10 Program Manager, Fellowships
• 08/02/10 Senior Communications Specialist - Media Relations

 

 

---

 

Recruitment and Program Development Specialist, Public Defender Corps

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Equal Justice Works is seeking a Recruitment and Program Development Specialist for a new initiative that will launch fellowships in indigent defense.

The Public Defender Corps is a brand new initiative developed by Equal Justice Works and the Southern Public Defender Training Center (SPDTC) with the primary goal to launch a national fellowship program designed to help solve the crisis in indigent defense. This is the pilot year, and so there is a lot of room for creativity and entrepreneurship, and if we are successful in raising money, we expect this program to grow in the coming years.

The Public Defender Corps program will recruit, train and support extraordinary law school graduates to work as public defenders in underserved areas. The fellowship program will focus on both juvenile justice and adult indigent defense. The fellows will improve the quality of criminal defense representation, and seed the field with future indigent defense leaders. The new initiative will thus create a culture change in public defense and dramatically increase the caliber of lawyers working to secure better outcomes for clients and communities. The Recruitment and Program Development Specialist will be an employee of Equal Justice Works, but will work closely with some SPDTC staff members in the national recruitment effort and planning process.

The position is based in the Washington, D.C. office of Equal Justice Works but some travel will be expected for recruiting law students and working with legal academics and administrators to identify talented potential applicants for these public defense fellowships. The Recruitment and Program Development Specialist would start immediately to support this new initiative that will launch approximately 20 fellowships in 2011.

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Specialist will work with a team of indigent defense leaders to recruit primarily third-year law students and judicial law clerks nationwide and coordinate the entire recruitment and selection process for these fellows. The first class will be chosen in the fall/ winter of 2010 while training of the fellows will begin in the summer of 2011. The Recruitment and Program Development Specialist will work with a database and manage the on-line application and selection process. The specialist will be given primary responsibility of responding to inquiries and information requests from the public.

This specialist will play a key role in shaping the indigent defense fellowships program through the recruitment and selection process but also by collaborating with Equal Justice Works and SPDTC leaders in the strategic development of the fellowship program. We also expect that the specialist will be involved in fundraising, developing relationships with funders and grant writing and reporting.

 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

The Recruitment and Program Development Specialist must be committed to public interest work. Preference will be given to candidates with a law degree and some commitment or experience with indigent defense. This job does not involve practicing law, and has a heavy administrative component of managing the recruitment and selection of fellows.

A successful candidate will have:

• Excellent communication skills, including strong persuasive writing skills
• Demonstrated experience building networks and or coalitions
• Experience in public speaking
• An entrepreneurial spirit and initiative
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new applications
• Willingness to perform administrative tasks
• Ability to motivate individuals with excellent attention to detail, ability to follow-through independently on prioritized projects and multitask
• Ability to prioritize competing demands
• ability to promote indigent defense fellowships in law schools and other communities through in-person presentations as well as telephone and on-line communications

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary will be $40k+ depending on experience and degrees; comprehensive and generous benefits package, including loan repayment assistance, full health insurance coverage for employee, employer sponsored disability insurance program, monthly transportation stipend, retirement plan up to 4% employer match, and two weeks of vacation plus sick leave, holiday schedule and summer hours. The position is initially for one year and may be renewed if funding is available.

 

TO APPLY

Applicants should send a résumé, references, and cover letter describing in detail experience, qualifications and interest in the position to Equal Justice Works at 2120 L St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 or email us at mail@equaljusticeworks.org and to Cait Clarke at cclarke@equaljusticeworks.org. Review of applications will begin immediately. No phone calls, please.

Back to top

 

Senior Program Manager, Fellowship Sponsor Relations

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Equal Justice Works seeks an energetic and entrepreneurial fundraising professional to join its 5-6 member Fellowships team in engaging in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; program management; and leadership development.

The Equal Justice Works Fellowship Program was launched in 1992 to address the shortage of attorneys working on behalf of traditionally under-served populations and causes in the United States. Recognizing that many obstacles prevent committed attorneys from practicing public interest law, including the dearth of entry-level jobs and daunting educational debts, the program provides financial and technical support to lawyers working on innovative and effective legal projects. The two-year Fellowships offer salary and generous loan repayment assistance; a national training and leadership development program; and other forms of support during the term of the Fellowship.

In collaboration with nonprofit host organizations, fellowship candidates design a project to address serious injustices faced by under-served communities. The Fellows’ accomplishments are breathtaking and 80 percent of the Fellows continue their public interest work after their Fellowships conclude.

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Manager’s primary function is to manage the recruitment and retention of Fellowship sponsors, and to provide support to executive and Fellowships staff and to board members engaged in Fellowship sponsor recruitment. The Senior Manager reports to the Fellowships Director. Significant travel required. The Senior Manager, Fellowship Sponsor Relations has three primary areas of responsibility:

• Fundraising/Donor Relations (70%)
  Managing campaign involving staff and board to secure $5+ million annually in Fellowship sponsorships from law firms, corporations, foundations and individuals. Renewing and stewarding current Fellowship sponsors; identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new Fellowship sponsor prospects.
• Program Support (20%)
  Working with Fellows and their host organizations and sponsors to ensure successful Fellowship experiences; participating in the application and selection process; and participating in the leadership development training provided to the Fellows.
• Inter-department Coordination (10%)
  Collaborating with the West Coast Office and the Communications, Development, Finance, Federal Programs, and Law School Advocacy and Outreach Units to ensure achievement of organizational and program goals.

Responsibilities also include:

Fundraising

• Developing and implementing cultivation and solicitation strategies for current Fellowship sponsors and new prospects.
• Identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding a portfolio of sponsors and prospects.
• Providing support to other staff and board member solicitors.
• Tracking progress of sponsor recruitment activities and providing regular reports, analysis and projections.
• Maintaining accurate sponsor and prospect information in organization’s database.
• Working with the Fellowships Director and the Development Director to create and execute a fundraising plan that includes law firms, corporations, bar associations, IOLTA programs, foundations, and individual donors that maintains or expands the base of 50 Fellows per year.

Program Support

• Supporting the annual fellowships competition, including recruiting candidates, interviewing finalists and working with sponsors to select Fellows.
• Meeting with sponsors to identify geographic and substantive issue preferences for Fellowship projects.
• Assisting in annual leadership development training conference for Fellows.
• Seeking and fostering opportunities for sponsor involvement in Fellows’ projects.

Inter-Unit Coordination

• Coordinating solicitation strategies with the Development Unit.
• Working with the Communications Unit on the development and distribution of promotional materials.
• Coordinating with the Finance Unit to ensure accurate data on pledges and fulfillment, and to generate timely invoices for pledge payments.
• Collaborating with the Communications, Development, Finance, Federal Programs, and Law School Advocacy and Outreach teams to ensure achievement of organizational and program goals.

 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Genuine interest in and passion for the mission and programs of Equal Justice Works.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or J.D. strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit and/or corporate fundraising with a proven track record of cultivating and soliciting major gifts ($10,000+) or corporate sponsorships.
• Prior experience soliciting funds from law firms, corporations, or in a law school setting a plus.
• Superior computer skills, including advanced use of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience with databases such as Sage Fundraising 100 or Raiser’s Edge required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills a must.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with experience; comprehensive and generous benefits package, including loan repayment assistance, full health insurance coverage for employee, employer sponsored disability insurance program, monthly transportation stipend, retirement plan up to 4% employer match, and 2 weeks vacation plus sick leave.

 

TO APPLY

Applicants should send a résumé, references, and cover letter describing in detail experience, qualifications and interest in the position to Equal Justice Works at 2120 L St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 or email us at mail@equaljusticeworks.org. Review of applications will begin on Sept. 10. No phone calls, please.

Back to top

 

Law School Advocacy and Outreach Intern – Fall 2010

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Equal Justice Works seeks a fall intern beginning in late August and ending in early December. The intern will provide support for the Law School Advocacy and Outreach (LSAO) Team which houses the nationally renowned annual Conference and Career Fair, the Equal Justice Works Guide to Law Schools, student debt relief education and law school membership. Serving 200 law schools around the country, the LSAO Team provides timely and critically important resources to support law schools in their efforts to engage students in public service.

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Outreach to national public interest employers and law schools to encourage attendance at the annual Conference and Career Fair
• Assist with reviewing and updating employer postings for the Career Fair and assist with Conference preparation
• Coordinate social media efforts with our Communications Team, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Equal Justice Works forums. Potential opportunities to write blog entries and assist in website development.
• Provide support for Student Debt Relief initiatives
• Participate in team meetings
• Perform various administrative tasks and assist with program implementation as needed, including data entry and database maintenance

 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Highly organized and motivated individual with excellent attention to detail, ability to follow directions, manage multiple priorities and ability to work independently
• Applicant must have excellent written, analytical and organizational skills
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and familiarity with database systems such as FR100 and Raiser’s Edge
• Strong commitment to public interest law and building professional skills in the nonprofit field. Interest in public service is a plus

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This position is unpaid. A monthly transportation stipend will be provided. Course credit may also be earned in this position.

 

TO APPLY

Applicants should email a résumé résumé, references and cover letter describing in detail experience, qualifications and interest to Nada El-Eryan, neleryan@equaljusticeworks.org. Résumés will be reviewed as they are received.

Back to top

 

Director of Development

Equal Justice Works is seeking an energetic executive with a strong fundraising track record to play a central role in the senior management team of the nation’s largest organization creating opportunities and support for public interest minded students and lawyers. Equal Justice Works runs the largest postgraduate public interest legal fellowship programs in the nation.

 

THE ORGANIZATION

Equal Justice Works is a recognized leader in the public interest law movement. Our mission is to create a just society by mobilizing the next generation of lawyers committed to equal justice. We provide a continuum of opportunity that begins with incoming law school students and extends into later careers in the profession. From advocating for law school programs that instill public service values among students, to creating summer and postgraduate public interest jobs and addressing the staggering educational debt that blocks lawyers from going into public service, Equal Justice Works inspires and provides opportunities for the legal community to change lives, make careers, and deliver on the promise of justice for all.

Unlike many nonprofits that have expertise around a particular subject, we cover many justice-related issues such as immigration, the environment, civil rights and civil liberties, housing and homelessness, and many others. We enable very talented law students and new lawyers to engage in work on behalf of under-served communities and causes. Currently we have about 100 privately funded and 80 public-private funded lawyers in the field. We have 700 law students who participate in our Summer Corps program. Almost every law school in the country is a dues-paying member of Equal Justice Works.

We are on the verge of launching two new major fellowship programs: a federally funded program focused on the legal needs of veterans, particularly homeless veterans, and a new program focused on indigent defense -- modeled in part on Teach for America, where new lawyers will work for three years in under-served regions.

Equal Justice Works has a prominent board of directors representing every corner of the legal profession – corporate general counsel, private law firm partners, federal judges, law school deans, law students and public interest executives. Private sector board members are a key asset in the organization’s fundraising capacity.

The current annual budget is $10 million, with $6 million coming from law firms or corporations; $3 million from government sources; and approximately $1 million from foundations, individuals and law schools. Among our strategies for raising funds are a national awards dinner that raises $1.5 million, and five regional events that raise another $450,000 altogether.

 

THE POSITION

Equal Justice Works is a dynamic organization that has experienced dramatic growth during its history, including during the recent recession. The Director of Development will have primary responsibility for the creation and execution of a strategic plan to raise funds and increase the funding base for the organization by promoting its mission and programs.

The Director of Development will manage the development department, but he/she will also serve as an orchestrator of the development related activities in the other departments. The development department was recently reorganized and streamlined. The new structure has five positions, which include events, individual giving and foundations. Much of the non-event fundraising is done by program staff who have expertise and relationships with key donors. Still, they rely on the development staff to assist them in strategizing, making an effective case for support, and coordinating fundraising to ensure that we are not separately approaching a donor for support. The Director of Development will report to the Deputy with dotted line reporting to the Executive Director. The Director of Development will have many assets with which to work. Chief among those assets is the executive director who loves fundraising. He enjoys explaining why investing in Equal Justice Works programs produces extraordinary outcomes in communities that need legal assistance, and in the lives of aspiring public interest lawyers.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a talented management team with ambitious plans to expand the scope and impact of the organization and its programs, including:

• Working with the Director of Fellowships to secure funding for the nation’s largest postgraduate legal fellowships programs;
• Working to increase federal support for postgraduate legal fellowship programs;
• Working with 200 dues-paying law schools to improve programming that instills public service values among law students;
• Securing support for the largest national public interest law career fair hosted each year in Washington, D.C.;
• Raising funds for our systemic work to reduce the educational debt burdens that prevent many law graduates from pursuing public interest careers; and
• Helping to develop an Alumni program that will help former program participants to stay connected and provide opportunities to grow as leaders in the public interest law community.

 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Genuine interest in and passion for the mission and programs of Equal Justice Works;
• Extensive experience at a senior level in a nonprofit development role, familiarity with special event and foundation fundraising, with at least three years experience with major individual donor efforts;
• Ability to conceptualize, develop, implement, and assess fundraising activities;
• Prior experience soliciting funds from law firms or in a law school setting a plus;
• Substantial experience in budgeting and planning, and familiarity with donor management and standard office software;
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, and achieve results; • Demonstrated ability to direct a development program including motivating and leading a team and developing talent; and
• BA/BS in a relevant field required, Master’s degree or J.D. strongly preferred.

Critical attributes that will define a successful candidate include:

• Drive and discipline to exceed results
• Independent initiative
• Exceptional skills of observation, synthesis, and persuasion
• Anticipates, plans, and organizes well
• Analytical decision-maker who is comfortable with quantitative data
• Creative and inventive
• High energy, with a positive “can do” attitude to prevail over adversity
• Polished, vivid, articulate communicator (writing, speaking, presenting)
• Comfortable with complexity, uncertainty, and ambiguity
• Strategic thinker who can also manage the details
• Strong partnership-building skills
• Engaging interpersonal skills; ability to inspire passion for the mission

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary will be competitive. Compensation includes a comprehensive and generous benefits package, including loan repayment assistance, full health insurance coverage for employee, employer sponsored disability insurance program, monthly transportation stipend, retirement plan with an up to 4 percent employer matching contribution, and 4 weeks vacation plus sick leave, holiday schedule and summer hours.

 

TO APPLY

Email a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to EJW@TransitionGuides.com.

All other inquiries please contact:
Ginna Goodenow
TransitionGuides
1751 Elton Rd. Suite 204
Silver Spring, MD 20903
(301) 439-6635

Back to top

 

Program Manager, Fellowships

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Equal Justice Works seeks a program manager to join a 5-6 member Fellowships Team engaging in program management, donor stewardship and leadership development. This position reports to the Director Fellowships.

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Manager has three primary areas of responsibility:

• Program Management (60%)
  Providing support to nearly 100 Fellows and host sites annually; participating in the application and selection process; and participating in the leadership development training provided to the Fellows.
• Donor Stewardship/Fundraising (30%)
  Furthering Fellow engagement and development, donor stewardship and development, and host organization relationship building; managing a donor portfolio, including law firms, corporations and foundations.
• Inter-Department Coordination (10%)
  Collaborating with the West Coast Office and the Communications, Development, Finance, Federal Programs and Law School Advocacy and Outreach Units to ensure achievement of organizational and program goals.

 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• JD degree preferred. Bachelor’s degree and five years of related work experience or a graduate degree and three years of related work experience.
• Strong oral and written communications skills a must. Particular strength in new media or online communications is necessary to advance the growth and visibility of the Fellowship Program.
• Experience with law firm giving a plus.
• Genuine interest in and passion for the mission and programs of Equal Justice Works.
• Highly organized and motivated individual with excellent attention to detail, ability to follow-through independently on prioritized projects and multitask.
• Must take personal initiative to interact with Fellows and promote fellowships among current sponsors, host organizations and the public through in-person, telephone and on-line communications.
• Very strong computer skills, including advanced use of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook and experience with databases such as FR100 or Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Some travel required.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with experience; comprehensive and generous benefits package, including loan repayment assistance, full health insurance coverage for employee, metro or parking stipend, retirement plan up to 4% employer match, and two weeks vacation plus sick leave, paid holidays.

 

TO APPLY

Applicants should send a cover letter, résumé with salary requirements, and references via email with Program Manager, Fellowships in the subject line to mail@equaljusticeworks.org or by mail to Equal Justice Works, Attn. HR-Program Manager, Fellowships Search, 2120 L St., NW, Suite 450,Washington, D.C. 20037. Deadline to apply is August 30, 2010. Position filled on or about September 27, 2010.

Back to top

 

Senior Communications Specialist - Media Relations

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Equal Justice Works seeks a Senior Communications Specialist to work with a dynamic staff to develop and execute communications strategies for program and development initiatives. Primary responsibilities will entail working with the Director of Communications to develop and implement a strategic public relations campaign in support of Equal Justice Works 25th Anniversary, as well as new program initiatives. This is a temporary, 12-month position, with the possibility of renewal. The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree with 3-5 years of related experience in journalism, public relations, and/or media relations, and the interpersonal skills and professional presence to have a positive influence on external audiences. Excellent writing skills a must.

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the communications team and program staff to develop, implement and evaluate strategic public relations campaigns in support of Equal Justice Works 25th anniversary, existing programs and new initiatives that help to achieve organizational goals
• Identify and seize opportunities for pro-active outreach to traditional and social media
• Build relationships with national reporters and online media that cover issues related to Equal Justice Works programs and mission
• Write press releases, articles, blog posts, speeches and other material as required to support programs and initiatives

 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years experience in journalism, public relations and/or media relations
• Excellent writing, proofreading, editing and oral communication skills
• Communications and/or media relations experience, including producing media kits, press releases, media advisories, and op-ed pieces, and experience pitching stories to national media
• New media skills, including experience drafting, posting and updating web stories, blog posts and other online content
• Natural team player with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities
• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, communications, marketing or public relations preferred

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with experience; comprehensive and generous benefits package, including loan repayment assistance, full health insurance coverage for employee, employer sponsored disability insurance program, monthly transportation stipend, retirement plan up to 4 percent employer contribution, and 2 weeks vacation plus sick leave, holiday schedule and summer hours.

 

TO APPLY

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter, résumé and salary requirements via email to mail@equaljusticeworks.org or by mail to Communications Specialist Search, Equal Justice Works, 2120 L St, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC, 20037. Résumés will be reviewed as they are received. Deadline to apply is August 23, 2010. No phone calls please.

Back to top

 

 

 

Equal Justice Works NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

Equal Justice Works (formerly known as NAPIL) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental handicap, matriculation, or political affiliation.