Departmental OverviewThe Edley Center's mission is to defend and strengthen democratic institutions in the United States through actionable research and public leadership.
Position SummaryThe Civil Rights Staff Attorney for the Edley Center on Law & Democracy supports substantive legal work on behalf of the Center. This position provides dedicated legal expertise in civil litigation and policy to support the Center's wide range of legal research and advocacy. The Staff Attorney works on state and local policy development in California and other states, researches and drafts amicus briefs, engages in impact litigation, delivers on MOUs with government agencies, and provides legal guidance to community partners and coalitions.
The ideal candidate will have experience developing civil rights policy informed by legal research and analysis, as well as experience in civil litigation.
Application Review DateThe First Review Date for this job is: October 6, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities- Supports Center cases and projects at the direction of the Executive Director.
- Conducts legal research and writing on cases and projects that fall within the scope and focus of the Edley Center, routinely focused on civil rights and state authorities.
- Drafts and files amicus briefs, motions and other materials on a wide range of topics.
- Mentors and works with student intern researchers to provide feedback and manage projects.
- Consults with coalition partners to meet litigation filing deadlines and policy deadlines.
- Meets and consults with potential clients to file amicus briefs, offer advice memos, or training materials.
- Liaises with Center partners and/or other stakeholders as necessary in order to gather information necessary to move litigation or policy projects forward.
Assists with case investigation and development:
- Reviews and analyzes pending and enacted legislation.
- Assists in determining scope, timing and direction of the investigations.
- Reviews case records and filings, and analyzes options.
- Makes court appearances as needed.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications- Advanced knowledge in civil rights law and practice.
- Expertise in legal research, analysis, and advocacy strategy development.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and influence, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to exercise sound judgement, use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
- Advanced project management and organizational skills.
- Experience practicing civil law (litigation and or legislation/policy).
- Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop creative and strategic solutions.
- Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
- Thorough understanding of complex legal issues.
- In-depth research skills to draft accurate, complete and persuasive legal documents, such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, position statements and briefs.
- Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Computer and technical skills, including proficiency in using standard productivity, communication, and video conferencing platforms (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom); ability to learn and effectively use new software systems and digital tools as required to meet evolving program needs.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively with individuals and groups from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes collaboration and mutual respect among all members of the UC Berkeley community and its stakeholders.
- Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with and understand individuals from varied academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, and ethnic backgrounds.
Education / Training- Advanced degree in a related area, such as a Juris Doctor.
Licenses / Certifications- A member in good standing of the CA Bar Association
Salary & BenefitsFor information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $110,000 - $136,710.
- This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
- This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
How to ApplyTo apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Other Information- This position is eligible for up to 1 day/week of remote work within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.
- This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
- This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for RP or SV.
Conviction History BackgroundThis is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
MisconductAs a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
