Reports to: Managing Director, Litigation
Location: Remote / Washington, DC
Start date: ASAP
Salary: starting at $115,000
About the position
The Senior Attorney will develop new cutting-edge legal theories to hold corporations and the government accountable for their abuses while advancing a more sustainable and just food system. We are interested in hearing from applicants regarding the docket they wish to develop, but are particularly interested in strategies that would complement the regulatory litigation occurring in this changing political environment and/or expand our use of consumer protection laws, particularly false advertising statutes. Because FarmSTAND sees litigation as a tool for power building rather than an end unto itself, applicants should be able to articulate how their docket would bolster broader advocacy and campaigns.
The Senior Attorney will also be charged with managing components of the existing docket and, where necessary, supervising Staff Attorneys, Paralegals, Legal Assistants, fellows and/or externs both in those individuals’ own work and to aid in the Senior Attorney’s work. Further, the Senior Attorney will need to be able to lead legal teams that work across organizations, including private firms, with whom FarmSTAND frequently collaborates. The Senior Attorney will report to the FarmSTAND Managing Director of Litigation. At bottom, the ideal candidate will be an experienced, top-notch litigator with experience leading teams and working closely with organizers and/or grassroots groups.
Because FarmSTAND handles litigation, education, and advocacy nationally, the position will entail some travel.
Responsibilities:
- Develop new cases and manage existing dockets aligned with FarmSTAND’s Strategic Plan in state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
- Litigate cases from beginning to end as lead or co-counsel, performing all aspects of litigation.
- Support the Managing Directors of Litigation and of Outreach and Organizing by integrating litigation into advocacy initiatives, campaigns, and strategies with our partners.
- Develop and engage in advocacy outside of court based on the ways in which the litigation intersects with policymaking and base building, including building relationships with the media and decision makers; reviewing legislation; commenting on administrative petitions, letters, and the like; and reviewing fact sheets and other materials.
- Actively engage in outreach and participate in coalitions and collaborative networks to build relationships and support for FarmSTAND’s mission.
- Represent FarmSTAND at conferences and events and assist with fundraising as requested.
- Supervise the work of Staff Attorneys, Law Fellows, and Law Clerks throughout the organization. Play an integral role in developing less experienced attorneys.
- Help manage our case intake process; provide potential clients with resources; and help coordinate volunteer attorneys, members, and other legal resources to assist with intakes.
- Other advocacy work to further FarmSTAND’s priorities.
Qualifications:
- Law degree and at least eight years of litigation experience. For the purposes of determining litigation experience, we will include clerkships and fellowships;
- Admission to a State Bar and willingness to be admitted to the DC Bar;
- Excellent litigation skills, including proven legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills, and ability to manage a litigation docket effectively;
- Strong skills in communicating litigation and advocacy goals and messages to the media and public;
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with client partners and in leading a team;
- Strong and demonstrated initiative, good judgment, creativity, and work ethic;
- Ability and willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, and presentations;
- Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of and the ability to work with individuals and groups from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations;
- Willingness to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work community that encourages collaboration; and
- A strong desire to build a movement to achieve a more just food system.
Work structure: This is a full-time, exempt position, with a salary starting at $115,000 for a 2017 law school graduate, with adjustment made based on experience. We are a fully remote workplace, although we maintain an office address in D.C.
Benefits: We provide a flexible work schedule, 17 days of paid vacation, 8 days of sick leave, all federal holidays, additional FarmSTAND holidays, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan.
To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a:
- Cover letter that conveys why you are drawn to FarmSTAND’s mission and the objectives of this position, your vision for your docket, and how your experience fits with those objectives.
- Resume.
- Law school transcript (official or unofficial).
- Contact information for three references.
- Writing sample, preferably a legal brief unedited or only lightly edited by another, including a cover sheet explaining the extent of editing by someone else.
Your application should consist of two electronic files: (1) your cover letter, resume, transcript, and references in a single .pdf file; and (2) a writing sample in another .pdf file. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by April 14, 2025, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit both files to jobs@farmSTAND.org with “Senior Attorney” in the subject line.
FarmSTAND is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse and progressive workplace. Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best fit, not completing a checklist. We encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ applicants, people with disabilities, to apply.
