ACLU of Arizona: Legal Director

OverviewThe ACLU of Arizona works to advance equity and dismantle systemic injustice through legal action, policy advocacy, and mobilizing our communities to protect the civil rights, liberties, and dignity of all Arizonans.PositionLegal Director | Location: Phoenix, Arizona | Department: Legal | Salary: $102,000 - $130,000 / Yearly | Employment type: Full-time, exemptPosition responsibilitiesProvide strategic leadership and management of the legal program: develop and regularly assess a comprehensive annual legal department plan and budget with ambitious goals and clear metrics. Identify areas for high-impact opportunities in amicus litigation and align with organizational goals. Manage all aspects of the litigation program, including case selection, investigation, development, building litigation teams, reviewing pleadings, managing discovery, and handling trials and appeals as necessary. Collaborate with ACLU of Arizona staff attorneys, ACLU national office attorneys, and co-counsel from other nonprofits and private firms.Maintain an individual caseload of developing and active litigation, including overseeing pre-litigation activities, discovery, motion practice, brief writing, hearings, trials, and appellate work.Provide direct supervision and development of legal staff: conduct regular staff evaluations, support individual and team work plans, ensure ongoing professional development, and oversee recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of legal positions.Reporting, records, and case management: provide regular updates to the Executive Director, board, and stakeholders; oversee case management procedures and systems to support litigation and program activities.Relationship-building and external relations: cultivate relationships with volunteer attorneys, the Arizona legal community, and coalitions to expand visibility and docket; staff the volunteer Legal Panel; serve as a primary spokesperson for media; collaborate with national ACLU anizational leadership and partnership: coordinate cross-department projects; contribute to strategic planning with insights on legal trends; support leadership on challenges and opportunities.Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging: integrate EDI&B into daily operations and legal advocacy.QualificationsThis job description outlines essential responsibilities and qualifications. Consideration will be given to strong candidates even if all qualifications are not met.Demonstrated commitment to the ACLU of Arizona’s values, mission, and vision.Admission to the Arizona Bar or licensed in another state with qualification to apply for admission in Arizona within 6 months of hire.Minimum of 10 years legal experience, including substantial state and federal litigation at trial and appellate levels, including class actions, with a background in constitutional law and civil rights.Minimum of 3 years of management experience, including recruiting, training, and retaining a diverse, high-performing litigation team.Exceptional litigation skills; experience designing and executing complex litigation strategies across multiple years or jurisdictions.Excellent communication and analytical skills; ability to convey complex legal issues to the public and mitment to working with community groups and impacted communities in planning and development of litigation; ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.Strong organizational skills and strategic problem-solving abilities; sound professional judgment.Dedication to social justice; willingness to address systemic oppression, racism, and implicit bias.Ability to plan effective strategies, set objectives, and evaluate progress; maximize opportunities for the organization.Experience working with a volunteer board of directors and other nonprofit organizations.Ability to work collaboratively with teams and resolve obstacles or conflicts.Cultural Responsibility: Awareness of one’s cultural identity and the ability to work across diverse communities; commitment to racial justice and inclusion; willingness to engage across lines of race, immigration status, ethnicity, language, class, gender, and other identities.Working conditionsThe ACLU of Arizona offices operate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for disability. Travel may be local, in-state, and some out-of-state as needed.Extended computer useOccasional evenings, weekends, and holidaysLocal and in-state travel; some out-of-state travelBenefits and compensationTime off: 15 vacation days in years 1-3; 20 days after year 4; 16 holidays; 1 personal day per month; modified summer schedule with Fridays off; extended winter break.Benefits: 100% health, vision, and dental insurance for employees; 50% for dependents; life and disability insurance; reimbursement for select out-of-pocket healthcare expenses; cell phone and home internet reimbursement.401(k): Matching plan with 100% match of the first 1% contributed, 50% of the next 5%, plus an additional 2% of salary contributed each pay mitment to staff development: professional growth opportunities and ongoing feedback.Focus: civil rights and civil liberties across abortion rights, voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, criminal justice reform, immigrants’ rights, border justice, and racial justice.Team: collaborative, high-impact environment with close-knit Arizona colleagues and a national ACLU network.How to applySubmit resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three professional references to with “Legal Director” in the subject line. In your cover letter, describe how you learned about the job, how your qualifications fit, and your interest in civil rights, civil liberties, and social justice. Attachments should be in Word or PDF format. No phone calls or walk-ins.We encourage applicants with disabilities to request accommodations in the application process by contacting : September 30, 2025 (rolling review).The ACLU of Arizona is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. Applications from all qualified individuals are welcome without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or arrest/conviction history. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-21