Staff Attorney, Voting Rights Program
Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus
Remote Possible; Office Based in San Francisco
Exempt, Full-time
Application due by June 1, 2023
The Opportunity
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus’s (ALC) Voting Rights program aims to build an inclusive democracy in California that reflects the state’s diverse demographics and hears the voices of our communities. ALC and its Voting Rights Program work for Asian American communities, with a focus on low-income and immigrant communities, and we work in partnership with other communities of color.
The Voting Rights program uses a combination of litigation, legal advocacy, policy development, and partnerships with grassroots partners on projects that:
- Fight for equal access to voter registration and voting
- Reduce barriers to voting for underrepresented communities
- Expand language access in California elections
- Ensure voting systems do not dilute the power of communities of color
- Engage and educate local communities, especially where cities and counties are shifting to new election systems
The Staff Attorney will play a key role in the Voting Rights program’s work to make sure California’s election systems serve Asian American and Pacific Islander Californians. The ideal candidate is able to work effectively with diverse coalitions and communities, to engage in research and advocacy, and to master technical concepts quickly.
The Organization
ALC is the nation’s first legal organization focusing on advancing and defending the civil rights of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Since 1972, ALC has litigated high-profile civil rights cases, advocated for the passage of landmark policy changes, and provided an array of services, including community education, advocacy, and direct client representation to further the rights of low-income immigrants and communities of color. Current program areas include Voting Rights, Immigrant Rights, Housing Rights, Criminal Justice Reform, National Security & Civil Rights, and Workers’ Rights. A growing staff of 50+ provides collegial support and opportunities to learn about and collaborate with other program areas.
ALC is based in San Francisco, a hub of the Asian American rights movement, progressive politics, and social justice activism. We also have an office in Oakland. The Voting Rights team works across the Bay Area, Northern California, and Northern Central Valley, works on statewide policy, and works on issues of national importance.
Responsibilities
- This dynamic position’s day-to-day activities vary and include the following:
- Build and maintain relationships with elections advocates, civil rights groups, community-based organizations, and elections officials.
- Evaluate elections policies and practices affecting AAPI voters through research and gathering input from stakeholders, including community members.
- Conduct legal and policy research, including case law, statutes and codes.
- Advocate to elections officials and legislators for systems, policies, and practices that will serve AAPI and immigrant voters. Advocacy includes written advocacy, such as drafting coalition letters, and oral advocacy, such as providing testimony and meeting with legislators.
- Review bill language, draft bill language and amendments, and work with coalitions to oppose or advance voting-related legislation.
- As needed, litigate voting rights cases, including developing legal theories, identifying plaintiffs, drafting complaints and motions, engaging in discovery, and working with co-counsel.
- Assist with community engagement and education, including trainings on voting rights topics and know-your-rights materials.
- Communicate with Voting Rights team members for internal collaboration and to provide legal and technical expertise.
- Conduct workshop presentations to community-based organizations and community members
- Collaborate with Communications staff to develop voting rights stories and narrative
- Collaborate with other staff in the Voting Rights Program and other programs, and perform other duties as needed
Work hours generally average out to a standard 8-hour workday. ALC monitors and adheres to public health requirements and practices related to work activity.
Qualifications
- J.D. degree and California Bar membership
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights of low-income, people of color, and/or immigrant communities
- Very organized, with strong attention to detail
- Strong legal research, analysis, writing, and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team and manage multiple tasks in a timely manner
- Willingness to travel from time-to-time
Desired Qualifications
- Policy advocacy experience, particularly in the field of voting rights
- At least two years of experience working with, serving, or organizing in low-income immigrant communities, limited English speaking communities, or historically under-represented communities, with some experience managing projects and initiatives
- Experience with community engagement, including facilitation skills, deep listening skills, and the ability to navigate difficult conversations
- A high degree of sensitivity and strong interpersonal skills needed to manage relationships with external partners
- A strong understanding of California’s legal and political landscape
- Enthusiastic team player
- Proficiency in an Asian language or Spanish
Candidates based in the San Francisco Bay Area are preferred, although others will be considered.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position. The annual salary is based on years of relevant experience and ranges from $85,000 to $121,190. ALC offers an additional $1,000 annual compensation for proficiency in a language other than English and an additional $1,000 annual compensation for graduate degree(s) other than the law degree required for this position.
ALC’s comprehensive benefits package includes the following: generous vacation and paid holidays; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage (ALC pays 100% of premiums for employees and 75% for qualified dependents); a flexible spending account (FSA); and 401(k) retirement plan with employer non-elective contribution and match. This position is included in the collective bargaining unit represented by CWA Local 9410.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following by June 1, 2023:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the position
- Resume
- A writing sample of your work (no more than 10 pages)
- Three professional references
Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, height, weight, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation