JOB ANNOUNCEMENT - STAFF ATTORNEY

 

Who We Are 

The Impact Fund believes that communities should be able to join together to use the courts to protect their jobs, families, communities, and environment.  To that end, we provide strategic leadership and support for class and impact litigation seeking economic, environmental, racial, and social justice.  Founded 29 years ago as a grantmaking organization, our programs broadened to include litigation and training.  For more information, visit our website.

Overview

The Impact Fund Staff Attorney acts as counsel in Impact Fund litigation and amicus activities.  They work with the legal team (Executive Director, Director of Litigation & Training, Law Fellow, and Paralegal) to litigate the Impact Fund’s current docket of social justice impact litigation, coordinate and author amicus briefs, and provide technical assistance to the larger legal community.  They also contribute to the Impact Fund’s training programs.  Staff Attorney is a full-time (80% minimum) and exempt position that reports to the Director of Litigation & Training.

Responsibilities

  • Represent clients in all stages of Impact Fund litigation, focusing on employment discrimination, denial of access to public benefits, and other civil rights violations

  • Contribute to litigation strategy, draft briefs and legal memos, conduct meet and confer conferences and oral argument, and communicate with clients

  • Coordinate amicus activities, draft amicus briefs, review and analyze amicus invitations

  • Maintain litigation and amicus case pipeline

  • Provide technical assistance and non-legal advocacy for legal services programs, including drafting comment letters, preparing fact sheets and other advocacy materials, and reviewing draft rules and legislation

  • Help keep training programs up-to-date and participate as a member of the training faculty

  • Speak on panels and at conferences on topics relevant to the Impact Fund’s work and mission

  • Assist with program development and grant funding to meet program needs

  • Contribute to annual report, newsletters, website, Practitioner Blog, Class Action Forum attorney listserve, and other communications materials

  • Assist with supervision and management of Law Fellows, Paralegals, and Summer Law Clerks

  • Cultivate relationships with professional and community partners

Requirements

  • Excellent research and writing skills

  • Excellent teamwork, leadership, and management skills

  • Excellent civil litigation skills, including law and motion, discovery, and oral argument

  • Strong communication skills in both legal and non-legal interactions

  • Strong presentation skills; teaching experience preferred

  • Experience as lead counsel in complex litigation

  • Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and social justice

  • Skilled use of Microsoft Office, Westlaw, ECF, and PACER

  • Member in Good Standing of California State Bar or other State Bar (must sit for California Bar in July 2022)

  • Located within commuting distance from the Impact Fund office

  • Must be fully vaccinated and boosted -- reasonable accommodations will be considered based on disability or sincerely held religious belief

Education and Experience

  • Must have obtained a Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

  • Admitted to practice law in California (or admitted in another State Bar and sitting for the California Bar in July 2022)

  • Minimum 3 years litigation experience

What We Offer 

  • Collaborative and supportive in-person office environment, when safe to return

  • Physical office located in Downtown Berkeley immediately adjacent to BART

  • Some remote work possible after office reopening

  • Benefits include health, vision, dental, and life insurance and Commuter Checks

  • 10 days of paid vacation per year (increases after first year), 10 days of paid sick leave per year, and approximately 12 paid holidays per year

  • Reduced time schedule (at least 80%) possible

  • Full-time salary ranging from $90,000 to $125,000, based on experience 

How to Apply 

  • Email a cover letter, resume, writing sample (unedited or lightly edited by others), and three professional references to Lindsay Nako, Director of Litigation and Training

  • Please indicate “Staff Attorney Application for [Your Name]” in the email subject

  • Applications will be reviewed and candidates interviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled

The Impact Fund is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.  If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email Luna Khalil.