Legal Director

OverviewJoin to apply for the Legal Director role at ACLU of South Dakota. The ACLU's National Chapter of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming seeks applicants for the full-time position of Legal Director in Fargo, ND, or Sioux Falls, SD (with flexibility to consider other locations within the states). This is a hybrid role with in-office requirements of two days per week or eight days per month.WHAT YOU'LL DOReporting to the Executive Director of the Dakotas/Wyoming Chapter, the Legal Director will lead and expand the ACLU legal program across South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming, including developing and litigating high-impact cases and managing the legal department. The Legal Director will craft and execute legal strategy that advances the ACLU of SD/ND/WY mission, and manage day-to-day operations of the legal staff and cooperating attorneys. As a member of the office's senior leadership team, the Legal Director will provide strategic leadership on litigation and non-litigation legal advocacy in priority areas including criminal justice, immigrants’ rights, Indigenous justice, LGBTQ and Two Spirit equality, reproductive rights, voting rights, and First Amendment rights.YOUR DAY TO DAYWe are seeking a dynamic and strategic Legal Director who will lead all aspects of litigation and serve as a key senior leader within the Chapter. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to legal advocacy and strategic leadership, contributing to the Chapter’s culture, management, and direction.Strategic Leadership : Provide leadership in litigation and non-litigation legal advocacy, shaping the Chapter’s legal strategies and organizational goalsTeam Management and Collaboration : Manage and inspire legal staff and teams; coordinate with advocacy, communications, and development teams for cross-functional successDirect supervision of a staff attorney and, at times, law students and undergraduates; recruit and hire additional legal staff as budget permits; foster staff developmentCoordinate with other ACLU SD/ND/WY departments on cross-departmental projects; serve as a legal resource for staff, partners, and constituentsDirect Litigation Expertise : Engage in direct litigation and manage cases with self-sufficiency and legal expertiseMaintain and grow impact litigation and advocacy docket aligned with strategic priorities and civil rights threatsManage all aspects of the litigation program: case selection, investigations, development of cases, building litigation teams, direct litigation in federal and state court, and ongoing oversightMaintain an individual caseload of developing and active litigation and amicus briefs; oversee pre-litigation investigations, discovery, motions, brief writing, hearings, trials, and appellate workCollaborate with staff attorneys, cooperating attorneys, and co-counsel (including National Legal Department) on all work within the ACLU SD/ND/WY legal programCommunity Engagement : Develop and nurture relationships with community leaders, members, and organizations; build visibility of the ACLU in the legal communityDevelop relationships with volunteer attorneys and lawyers to support our docket and activitiesDevelop relationships with stakeholders who may be affected by current and future litigationPublic Representation : Act as a prominent spokesperson for the Chapter in media appearances, public forums, community events, donor briefings, and other public engagementsFUTURE ACLU'ERS WILLBe committed to advancing the mission of the ACLUCenter equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work, respecting diverse perspectivesCollaborate respectfully to resolve obstacles and conflictsWHAT YOU'LL BRINGSignificant years of trial and appellate litigation experience in state and federal courts, including class actions, with strong interest in constitutional law and civil rightsProven ability to lead legal staff and diverse teams; able to coordinate with non-legal teams in advocacy, communications, and developmentAdmitted to the South Dakota, North Dakota, or Wyoming Bar or eligible for admission on motionExcellent organizational skills and a creative, strategic approach to problem-solving and litigationSelf-starting, persevering, and willing to learn; ethical and relationship-focusedAbility to engage in litigation with minimal support staffTeam player who fosters collaboration and maintains balance and perspectiveCOMPENSATIONThe ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. The annual salary for this position is $141,612 (Level D), reflecting a salary based in Sioux Falls, SD. Salaries may be adjusted regionally if authorized to work outside the listed location. For details on pay structure, see the ACLU Geographic Pay Structure.Pay structure detailsWHY THE ACLUFor over 100 years, the ACLU has defended individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. The organization tackles civil liberties issues across a broad range of areas and values its people and their well-being.Benefits include generous paid time off, comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision, parental leave, gender-affirming care, and fertility treatment), 401k with employer match, and professional development opportunities.OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONWe are committed to accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion as core values. We strive for a culture of belonging, anti-oppression, anti-ableism, and anti-racism. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance applying online, please email . If selected for an interview, you will receive information about accommodations. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-25