Senior Staff or Staff Attorney, Criminal Legal Systems

A Senior Staff or Staff Attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is responsible for implementing criminal legal system reform advocacy strategies. This includes developing new cases, collaborating with community organizations, conducting legal research, interviewing clients, and drafting legal documents like memos and briefs. You will also represent SPLC in various settings and mentor less experienced legal staff.

To qualify for the Senior Staff or Staff Attorney role at SPLC, candidates should have at least one year of federal court civil litigation experience for Staff Attorney I-II and a minimum of six years for Senior Staff Attorney I-IV. A J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school and membership in good standing with a state bar is also required.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) prioritizes diversity by considering applicants from various backgrounds and experiences. The organization fosters an inclusive work culture that values equity, diversity, and anti-racism, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in their legal team.

At SPLC, a Senior Staff or Staff Attorney engages in high-impact civil rights litigation, focusing on issues such as decriminalization, pretrial justice, and conditions for incarcerated individuals. The role includes challenging systemic inequities and providing legal support to affected communities in the Deep South.

The work designation for the Senior Staff or Staff Attorney at SPLC is flexible, allowing for local remote work, telework in the SPLC office, or a hybrid model. This ensures that attorneys can effectively collaborate while also accommodating individual work preferences.

When answering this question, share your personal connection to issues of injustice and your passion for advocacy. Highlight your commitment to civil rights and discuss how your values align with SPLC's mission of justice and equity.

In your response, choose a case that demonstrates your problem-solving skills and resilience. Explain the challenges faced, your legal strategies, and the outcomes, emphasizing your ability to think creatively under pressure.

Discuss your belief in community-oriented lawyering and the importance of understanding the needs of impacted communities. Provide examples of past collaborations and the strategies you used to build strong, trust-based partnerships.

When addressing this question, provide specific examples of your involvement in class action cases. Describe your role, the legal complexities you navigated, and the impact of the litigation on the community or issue at hand.

Highlight your methods for staying informed, such as following legal journals, attending workshops, and engaging in continuous education opportunities. Emphasize your commitment to understanding relevant legal changes and their implications for your work.

Illustrate your mentoring experience by discussing how you've provided guidance and support to junior attorneys. Share specific instances where your mentorship helped develop their skills and confidence in litigation.

Emphasize your systematic approach to legal research. Discuss the resources you use, your thoroughness in fact-finding, and your ability to synthesize information to support your legal arguments effectively.

Discuss the significance of clear and persuasive communication in legal practice. Provide examples of how you've conveyed complex legal concepts to diverse audiences, ensuring understanding and engagement.

Describe your analytical framework for developing legal strategies. Share how you assess case strengths and weaknesses, collaborate with your team, and employ creative solutions to address legal challenges.

Share your perspective on how systemic inequities contribute to over-incarceration and the disproportionate impacts on Black and Brown communities. Connect your insights to your professional journey and how it drives your work at SPLC.