Senior Staff Attorney – United Sikhs – New York, NY

Summary of Position

UNITED SIKHS seeks an experienced attorney to lead and supervise litigation and related advocacy and to assist in the management of the legal department, International Civil Human Rights and Advocacy. The senior staff attorney will work on the full range of UNITED SIKHS issues, including criminal justice, international human rights, free expression, equal protection, police misconduct, discrimination, and policy advocacy & change. The person also will be responsible for supervising the work of UNITED SIKHS attorneys and legal fellows and will be expected to play a leadership role in the work of the legal department and in the UNITED SIKHS.

Location: New York City

Hours: 50 hours a week ( may have to work on weekends)

Salary: Commensurate on experience

Specific responsibilities include:

Developing and conducting litigation in federal and state courts and in administrative forums. All UNITED SIKHS attorneys are responsible for indentifying possible litigation and advocacy, preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs; conducting discovery; presenting oral arguments; and handling all aspects of appeals;

Engaging in pre-litigation analysis and advocacy, including evaluating and following up on intakes; conducting factual investigations and legal analyses; utilizing the Freedom of Information Law; and drafting demand letters.

Playing a leading role in the advocacy work of the legal department, which includes working with the UNITED SIKHS advocacy, legislative and communications departments; working with UNITED SIKHS offices around New York and in other countries; and working with other advocacy organizations and elected officials; presenting testimony before legislative bodies and administrative agencies; participating in public education on civil liberties issues by speaking at public events and publishing articles and essays.

Supervising the litigation and advocacy work of other UNITED SIKHS attorneys;

Participating in strategic planning for and management of the legal department;

Plan, Build and Create fund raising strategy for International Civil Human Rights and Advocacy Projects. Should be able to travel and speak to our potential donors or to congregrations.

Should be able to represent UNITED SIKHS and speak regularly on talk-shows and other media channels.

Should be an avid writer and respond back to news writers, write on blogs and create reports for distribution.

Should be able to create coalitions and work on grants as and when required that match with the strategy and vision and mission of UNITED SIKHS

Should be flexible to work with our additional organizational partners locally and internationally.

Should be able to work with our additional project teams and offer legal assistance as and when required

Position Qualifications:

Excellent writing, research, analytical, and communication skills;

At least eight years of litigation experience; some policy or non-litigation advocacy experience a plus;

Supervisory experience is a must;

A demonstrated ability to advocate effectively, including an ability to initiate and follow through on public interest litigation or advocacy;

A demonstrated commitment to the goals and priorities of the organization;

Familiarity with civil rights issues is desirable; and

Leadership, self-motivation and an ability to work collaboratively.

Application Procedure:

Please submit a letter of interest, current resume, short writing sample and salary requirements via e-mail to: resume@unitedsikhs.org with “Senior Staff Attorney” in the subject field.

UNITED SIKHS is proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages all applicants regardless of race, sex, gender identity, age, disability, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. We are committed to having a workforce that reflects the diversity of the population that we serve at all levels within the organization.

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