Supervising Attorney—Civil Rights Clinic

JOB PURPOSE: 

The purpose of this position is to serve as a supervising attorney in the Howard University School of Law Civil Rights Clinic.  

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: 

This position has no direct reports; the candidate will supervise student attorneys within the Clinical Law Center. 

NATURE AND SCOPE: 

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, staff, and students in the School of Law and other University departments.  External contacts may include clients of the Clinical Law Center, government officials, co-counsel, other attorneys, alumni and the public. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

• In collaboration with the director of the Civil Rights Clinic, supervise student attorneys and manage a docket of Civil Rights cases.   

• Manage all aspects of Civil Rights litigation, including drafting and editing pleadings, merits briefs, amicus briefs and other litigation-related tasks. 

• Collaborate with others on curriculum development, course design, teaching and all other responsibilities related to the Civil Rights Clinic under the direction of the director of the Civil Rights Clinic and Director of the Clinical Law Center. 

• Manage external relationships, including with co-counsel. 

• Participate in Clinical Law Center programming and events including, but not limited to, open houses, orientations, faculty meetings, guest speakers, symposia, special events, and outreach activities.  

• Manage data related to the Civil Rights Clinic, including client files. 

• Other duties may include advising students academically and assisting students regarding career opportunities and fulfilling administrative duties as assigned or necessary.  

CORE COMPETENCIES:  

• A J.D. and at least 3 years of experience handling civil rights litigation or representing clients (3+ years of experience preferred, and clerkships may be considered as relevant experience) 

• Experience conducting civil rights litigation or advocacy, including complex litigation in the federal courts or state appellate courts. 

• Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills 

• Demonstrated ability to oversee and direct students 

• Strong academic credentials 

• Excellent teamwork skills 

• Membership in a state bar 

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, civil and human rights, and working with a diverse group of constituencies. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Juris Doctorate degree 

• At least three years of relevant legal experience 

• Bar admission in at least one state