Staff Attorney, Detention Project – The Transgender Law Center – Oakland, CA

Staff Attorney, Detention Project

Transgender Law Center’s Detention Project works to end the abuses transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people experience in prisons, jails, immigration detention, state hospitals, and other forms of detention, and at the hands of law enforcement.

Specific responsibilities of the Detention Project Staff Attorney include:

With the support of other members of the legal team, litigate precedent-setting cases in trial courts and on appeal, including developing litigation strategy, managing relationships with co-counsel, performing legal research, and drafting briefs.
Investigate and develop potential new cases, including corresponding with and meeting with potential clients, finding and reviewing records, and drafting demand letters.
Read and respond to letters from detained individuals, providing them with appropriate information, resources, and referrals.
In coalition with other organizations, engage in advocacy with prisons, jails, and other detention facilities and law enforcement agencies to improve policies and conditions for TGNC people.
Analyze and draft potential legislation, regulations, and policies; draft persuasive materials aimed at decision makers; and provide technical assistance to other advocates on bill language and strategy.
Draft written materials relating to litigation and advocacy efforts, including press releases, blog posts, know-your-right guides, and articles.
Engage in education efforts for community members and attorneys, including speaking at conferences, trainings, and webinars.
Engage in education efforts for law enforcement and detention facilities about TGNC people, their needs, and their legal rights.
Represent the organization in interviews with reporters.
Support the work of the legal team and the organization generally.

The position is full-time and will include some travel and work at nights and on weekends.

Required Qualifications:

Membership in the bar of one or more states
At least one year of experience practicing law
Experience with legal or policy advocacy relating to detention or law enforcement
Familiarity with transgender and gender nonconforming communities
Demonstrated commitment to racial justice and transgender rights
Excellent communication skills, including ability to write clearly and speak in public
Skill at working collaboratively both within the organization and with other groups
Strong personal organization and time management skills
Creativity, professionalism, and good judgment
Enthusiasm for the work of the organization and its potential
Willingness to travel and to work long hours as necessary

Preferred qualifications:

Significant litigation experience
Experience working with communities of color and transgender communities
Spanish language skills

How to apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample to Legal Director Ilona Turner (PGP: she/her) at ilona@transgenderlawcenter.org with “Detention Project Staff Attorney” in the subject line. Applications and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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