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Careers

Public Justice / Who We Are / Careers

Public Justice is an equal opportunity employer. We value and promote diversity. Applications are invited regardless of race, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance submitting your application for employment online or need any accommodations, please email LHughes@publicjustice.net. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Creative Content Coordinator

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Public Justice seeks a full-time entry- to mid-level creative content coordinator to take a lead role in growing our organization’s digital presence and reach across all digital channels and functions, with a focus on content creation for social media. Public Justice takes on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time – abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights, and the destruction of the earth’s sustainability. We connect high-impact litigation with strategic communications and the strength of our partnerships to fight these abusive and discriminatory systems and win social and economic justice. In particular, we ensure access to the civil justice system, protect the civil rights of students, boldly lead efforts to reform the industrial agriculture system, fight to end qualified immunity and modern-day debtor’s prisons, enforce the nation’s most important environmental laws, and much more.

This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant and thriving non-profit communications shop focused on messaging and marketing some of the most high-profile progressive advocacy issues. Working within a small communications shop, the Creative Content Coordinator will have the opportunity to tackle a diverse array of policy and advocacy projects while elevating Public Justice’s digital footprint through strategic and consistent content creation. The Creative Content Coordinator is responsible for identifying content gaps and creating and managing all the digital content on the website and social media.

This position is a nonexempt position, is open immediately, is part of the organization’s Department of External Affairs, and reports to the Director of Communications. Candidates can choose to work in the Washington, DC or Oakland, CA office, but also have the option to work remotely from other parts of the country.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create, schedule, and post high quality, shareable content to Public Justice’s digital channels
  • Coordinate social media advertising campaigns (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), and work with Development Team to maintain unpaid and paid search acquisition/SEO efforts (Google Grant, Microsoft Ad Grants)
  • Grow social media following and online presence while maintaining our design and adhering to organizational guidelines
  • Attend, record, and live post from in-person and virtual events
  • Monitor engagement (DMs and comments) on social channels and respond when appropriate
  • Work with Communications and Development team to develop content for attorney and nonattorney audiences and key stakeholders, including members, donors, partners, and organizational allies
  • Collaborate with greater staff, co-counsel, grassroots partners, and clients to develop and execute digital content for storytelling campaigns
  • Track and report on metrics across digital channels to produce regular digital analytics reports
  • Track and stay up to date on the latest development in new mediums, content trends, execution tactics, and changing social media landscapes to ensure audience engagement and online presence
  • Assisting the Communications staff with other tasks as needed

Qualifications

We’re looking for a team player with a keen interest in beginning, or expanding, their career in public interest communications. Excellent writing and editing skills are a must.

Preferred Background and Skills

  • Experience in the digital communications field, with an emphasis on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)
  • Experience with graphic design and digital media software to produce content, including short videos, audio segments, infographics, and other creative outputs (i.e. Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Canva)
  • Ability to effectively communicate with general/public audiences about complicated or technical legal/advocacy issues
  • Experience working with progressive advocacy organizations or campaigns and/or legal advocacy groups
  • Familiarity with web content management systems (preferably WordPress) and mass email programs (such as Constant Contact and EveryAction)
  • Familiarity with current online tools and marketing trends, including Sprout Social, SEO, Airtable

Compensation and Benefits

Public Justice offers a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented approach, and a competitive compensation package. We provide excellent benefits, including four-day work weeks, at least three weeks of paid vacation, two weeks of sick leave, two personal days each year, all federal and some local holidays, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance premiums, and a 401(k) plan. The salary for this position will be between $52,000 and $60,000, depending on experience. Public Justice requires those working in its offices to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Reasonable accommodations to this requirement, including remote work, based on disability or a sincerely held religious belief, will be considered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, portfolio, and contact information for two references to lsears@publicjustice.net with the subject line ‘Creative Content Coordinator.’ Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by February 17, 2023, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Reasonable Accommodations

Public Justice is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities; people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals; LGBTQ individuals; people of all genders; veterans; and people of all ages. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email lhughes@publicjustice.net.

Background Check Policy

As an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of workers, Public Justice takes our duty to respect and honor the dignity of every employee seriously, and balances this commitment with our responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for our team. As part of both these commitments, we will ask potential employees who have received a conditional offer of employment to consent to a narrowly tailored background check process. This process is limited only to specific inquiries regarding convictions related to financial fraud and violent crimes. We do not request, review or consider any information related to other matters, including consumer credit checks, non-violent drug offenses, sex work, or other past convictions with no history of violence, nor do we condone or participate in “dead naming” transgender applicants as part of this process. Public Justice strongly supports equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of any past history unrelated to job performance or skills. Questions about our background check process should be addressed to Leroy Hughes, VP of Operations, by email at lhughes@publicjustice.net.

Food Project Staff Attorney

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Public Justice, a non-profit legal advocacy organization that pursues high impact lawsuits to combat social and economic injustice, protect the Earth’s sustainability, and challenge predatory corporate conduct and government abuses, is seeking to hire a litigator for a Staff Attorney position in our Food Project. The Food Project at Public Justice works to dismantle the current corporate-controlled exploitative food system and support a movement to achieve our vision of a food system that is both regenerative and equitable. The position is based in our Washington D.C. office and is open immediately. Our preference is for this position to be based in our Washington D.C. office, but we will consider applications from especially qualified candidates seeking to work remotely from other parts of the country. Because Public Justice handles litigation, education, and advocacy nationally, the position will entail some travel. The Food Project at Public Justice takes a multifaceted approach to build power and achieve a just, humane, and sustainable animal agriculture system. In our lawsuits, we partner with and represent farmers, rural communities, consumers, and workers who share our vision. In our advocacy, we amplify their voices and spread awareness of the systemic inequities that have allowed this corporate takeover of our food system and show policymakers and the public how they can support a return to farming focused on sustaining communities rather than extracting profit.

The Staff Attorney will report to the Food Project Litigation Director and work closely with Food Project staff and will also work collaboratively with Public Justice’s other attorneys, outside lawyers who support Public Justice’s work, and other public interest groups to further the Project’s goals. The Staff Attorney will also take a leadership role in building out the Food Project Attorney Network, which seeks to grow the number of attorneys fighting for a more just food system.

Responsibilities:

  • Work closely with Food Project staff, allies, and clients to build and support the docket, including investigating, developing, and prosecuting cases. In working with the Food Project team on developing and maintaining their dockets the Staff Attorney will participate in the full range of tasks involved in complex litigation, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, discovery, briefing, and oral advocacy.
  • Develop and engage in legal advocacy outside of court based on the ways in which the litigation intersects with policymaking and base building, including drafting and reviewing legislation; drafting rulemaking petitions, comments to agencies, letters, fact sheets and other materials; and participating in coalition meetings and events.
  • Support the Organizing Director and Litigation Director in the implementation of integrated advocacy initiatives, campaigns, and strategies.
  • Actively engage in outreach and participate in coalitions and collaborative networks to build relationships and support.
  • Help manage our case intake process and provide potential clients with resources.
  • Help build and train attorneys in the Food Project Network, a network of private attorneys who are challenging corporate misconduct in industrial animal agriculture, including developing materials designed to educate members of the public and the bar.
  • Other advocacy work to further the priorities of the Food Project at Public Justice.

Qualifications:

  • Law school graduate with at least two to seven years of relevant legal experience preferred.
  • Preference given to applicants with at least two years of litigation experience. For the purposes of determining litigation experience, we will include clerkships and fellowships.
  • Admission to a State Bar.
  • Excellent analytical, legal research, and writing skills.
  • Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
  • Self-motivation and proven ability to work as part of a team.
  • Strong work ethic, initiative, and sound, yet creative judgment.
  • Willingness to travel extensively, meaning as much as once to twice a month more than half of the year.
  • Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of and the ability to work with individuals and groups from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
  • A strong desire to build a movement to achieve a more just food system.
  • Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work community that encourages collaboration.

We offer a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented approach, and a competitive compensation package. We recognize and support healthy work-life balance policies, including operating on a four-day work week all-year round. We also offer a generous benefits package, including three weeks of paid vacation, two weeks of sick leave, and two personal days each year, all federal and some local holidays, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance premiums, and a 401(k) plan. Our attorneys are paid on a salary scale based on years out of law school. Our attorneys are paid on a salary scale based on years out of law school. The salary for this position will be between $76,000-$94,500, depending on experience. Public Justice requires those working in its offices to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Reasonable accommodations to this requirement, including remote work, based on disability or a sincerely held religious belief will be considered.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a:

  1. Cover letter that conveys why you are drawn to Public Justice’s mission and what makes you a good fit for the Food Project.
  2. Resume.
  3. Law school transcript (official or unofficial).
  4. Contact information for three references.
  5. Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that is either unedited or only lightly edited by someone other than you. Please include 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 March 1, 2022, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit both files to staffattorney@publicjustice.net.

Public Justice EEO Statement

Public Justice is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities; people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals; LGBTQ+ individuals; people of all genders; veterans; and people of all ages. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email lhughes@publicjustice.net.

Background Check Policy

As an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of workers, Public Justice takes our duty to respect and honor the dignity of every employee seriously and balances this commitment with our responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for our team. As part of both these commitments, we will ask potential employees who have received a conditional offer of employment to consent to a narrowly tailored background check process. This process is limited only to specific inquiries regarding convictions related to financial fraud and violent crimes. We do not request, review or consider any information related to other matters, including consumer credit checks, non-violent drug offenses, sex work, or other past convictions with no history of violence, nor do we condone or participate in “dead naming” transgender applicants as part of this process. Public Justice strongly supports equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of any past history unrelated to job performance or skills. Questions about our background check process should be addressed to Leroy Hughes, Vice President of Operations, by email at lhughes@publicjustice.net

.

Food Project Senior Attorney

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Public Justice is seeking to hire a litigator with at least eight years of relevant experience for a Senior Attorney position in our Food Project. Public Justice is a public interest legal advocacy organization that takes on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time—abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights and liberties, and the destruction of the earth’s sustainability. We connect high impact litigation with strategic communications and the strength of our partnerships to fight these abusive and discriminatory systems and win social and economic justice.

The Food Project at Public Justice works to dismantle the current corporate-controlled exploitative food system and support a movement to achieve our vision of a food system that is both sustainable and equitable. We take a multifaceted approach to build power and achieve a just, humane, and sustainable animal agriculture system wherein litigation is one tactic in a larger effort for social change. In our lawsuits, we partner with and represent farmers, workers, rural communities, consumers, and advocates who share our vision. In our advocacy, we amplify their voices and spread awareness of the systemic inequities that have allowed this corporate takeover of our food system and show policymakers and the public how they can support a return to farming focused on sustaining communities rather than extracting profit.

The Food Project Senior Attorney will work across legal areas to lead and develop new cutting edge legal theories to hold corporations and the government accountable for their abuse. The attorney should be prepared to develop new legal theories in areas such as worker justice, consumer rights, and/or environmental law and think holistically about how to reform food industries. The ideal candidate will be an experienced, top-notch litigator with experience organizing or working closely with organizers.

The Senior Attorney will report to the Food Project Litigation Director and work closely with the Food Project Organizing Director and other Food Project staff. The attorney will also work collaboratively with Public Justice’s other attorneys, outside lawyers who support Public Justice’s work, and other public interest groups to further the Project’s goals. Our preference is for this position to be based in our Washington D.C. office, but we will consider applications from especially qualified candidates seeking to work remotely from other parts of the country. Because Public Justice handles litigation, education, and advocacy nationally, the position will entail some travel.

Responsibilities

  • Develop new cases aligned with the Food Project’s Strategic Plan; conduct factual investigations; develop legal theories; draft pleadings and briefs; and otherwise manage new and existing cases within state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
  • Litigate cases from beginning to end, performing all aspects of litigation. Support the Organizing Director and Litigation Director by integrating litigation into integrated advocacy initiatives, campaigns, and strategies with our partners.
  • Develop and engage in legal advocacy outside of court based on the ways in which the litigation intersects with policymaking and base building, including drafting and reviewing legislation; drafting rulemaking petitions, comments to agencies, letters, fact sheets and other materials; and participating in coalition meetings and events.
  • Actively engage in outreach and participate in coalitions and collaborative networks to build relationships and support.
  • 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 and provide potential clients with resources. Help build and train attorneys in the Food Project Network, a network of private attorneys who are challenging corporate misconduct in industrial animal agriculture, including developing materials designed to educate members of the public and the bar.
  • Other advocacy work to further the priorities of the Food Project at Public Justice.

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.
  • 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.
  • Commitment to serving the public interest, and a passion for the role of Public Justice and its mission.
  • Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of and the ability to work with individuals and groups from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
  • Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work community that encourages collaboration.
  • A strong desire to build a movement to achieve a more just food system.

We offer a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented approach, and a competitive compensation package. We recognize and support healthy work-life balance policies, including operating on a four-day work week all-year round. We also offer a generous benefits package, including three weeks of paid vacation, two weeks of sick leave, and two personal days each year, all federal and some local holidays, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance premiums, and a 401(k) plan. Our attorneys are paid on a salary scale based on years out of law school. The annual salary range for this position is likely $93,500-$103,500. Public Justice requires those working in its offices to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Reasonable accommodations to this requirement, including remote work, based on disability or a sincerely held religious belief will be considered.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a:

  1. Cover letter that conveys why you are drawn to the Food Project’s mission and the objectives of this position and how your experience fits with those objectives.
  2. Resume.
  3. Law school transcript (official or unofficial).
  4. Contact information for three references.
  5. 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 December 1, 2022, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit both files to staffattorney@publicjustice.net with the subject line: “FP Senior Attorney.” To learn more about the Food Project, visit food.publicjustice.net.

Public Justice is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities; people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals; LGBTQ+ individuals; people of all genders; veterans; and people of all ages. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email lhughes@publicjustice.net.

Debtors’ Prison Project Attorney

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Public Justice’s Debtor’s Prison Project (DPP) is a strategic litigation and advocacy project that combats the criminalization of poverty. Our work aims to counter the incentives for governments and private companies to shift the costs of the criminal legal system onto those least able to pay: indigent criminal defendants, their families, and their communities. We fight for the rights of individuals facing jail because they can’t pay fines and fees and against the abusive imposition, enforcement, and collection of fines and fees. We seek to hire a staff attorney with civil rights litigation and advocacy experience who will be dedicated to fighting the criminalization of poverty.

The attorney can be expected to work on cases in any or all of DPP’s focus areas, including:
  • Class actions against for-profit companies and/or government agencies for constitutional violations related to jailing individuals who are unable to pay fines and fees.
  • Challenges to the imposition of excessive fines and fees, including public defender fees, on criminal defendants on adults and juveniles—including both affirmative civil litigation and direct appeals on behalf of individual defendants.
  • Consumer protection lawsuits against private debt collectors that collect criminal legal debt.
  • Challenges to cash bail systems.
  • Advocacy on behalf of homeless individuals and communities who are subjected to unpayable fines and fees arising out of conduct related to the state of being homeless.

This position is a full-time exempt position and reports to the DPP Director. Our preference is for this attorney to be based in our West Coast Office (Oakland, CA), our national headquarters in Washington, D.C., but we will consider applications from especially qualified candidates seeking to work remotely from other parts of the country. Because Public Justice handles litigation and advocacy nationally, the position will entail some travel. The attorney will work closely with the DPP team, as well as with other Public Justice attorneys and advocates at allied organizations, including public interest lawyers at other organizations, lawyers at private firms, public defenders, legal services lawyers, community activists, investigators, and organizers.

Job Responsibilities

  • Serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in the investigation and development of impact litigation, amicus briefs, and special legal projects that further the strategic goals of DPP and the mission of Public Justice.
  • Participate in the full range of litigation tasks involved in challenging criminal fines and fees, including factual investigation, identifying clients, conducting legal research and analysis, briefing, oral arguments, client communications, and settlement negotiations.
  • Manage and respond to intakes and inquiries involving the work of DPP Develop and engage in a broad range of legal advocacy through and outside the courts (including drafting letters to local governments, courts, and agencies; participating in meetings and events; and coordinating with allied organizations) regarding DPP’s advocacy priorities.
  • Draft blog posts, engage social media, and participate with Public Justice’s communications team in developing and implementing media plans to educate lawmakers, lawyers, grassroots supporters, reporters, and the public about our clients and about fines and fees in the criminal legal system that perpetuate cycles of poverty.
  • Build networks and collaborate with allies to advance the mission of DPP. Participate in strategic planning and other planning initiatives for DPP.

Qualifications

  • Law school graduate with at least 2 to 3 years of relevant legal and advocacy experience (clerkships will count toward that experience)
  • Admission to a State Bar.
  • Preference given to applicants with at least three years of experience, ideally in either affirmative civil rights class actions, public defense, or other fines and fees litigation.
  • Strong commitment to racial justice, demarcation, and ending wealth-based discrimination.
  • Excellent analytical, legal research, and writing skills.
  • Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
  • Self-motivation and proven ability to work as part of a team.
  • Strong work ethic, initiative, and sound, yet creative judgment.
  • Willingness to travel.
  • Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of and the ability to work with individuals and groups from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
  • Ability and willingness to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work community that encourages collaboration.

We offer a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented approach, and a competitive compensation package. We recognize and support healthy work-life balance policies, including operating on a four-day work week all-year round. We also offer a generous benefits package, including at least three weeks of paid vacation, two weeks of sick leave, and two personal days each year, all federal and some local holidays, employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums, and a 401(k) plan. Our attorneys are paid on a salary scale based on years out of law school. The annual salary will be set by a pay scale and likely start at $76,000 but will depend on experience. Public Justice requires those working in its offices to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Reasonable accommodations to this requirement, including remote work, based on disability or a sincerely held religious belief will be considered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
  1. Cover letter that conveys why you are drawn to DPP’s mission and how your particular experience makes you a strong candidate for this position
  2. Resume
  3. Law school transcript (official or unofficial)
  4. Contact information for three references
  5. Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that is either unedited or only lightly edited by someone other than you; please include 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. The application deadline is December 19, 2022, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We are seeking applicants who can ideally start in the first quarter of 2023. Please submit both files to bhardingham@publicjustice.net.

Public Justice is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities; people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals; LGBTQ+ individuals; people of all genders; veterans; previously incarcerated individuals; and people of all ages. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email lhughes@publicjustice.net.

Debtors’ Prison Project Attorney

Download PDF of this posting

Public Justice’s Debtor’s Prison Project (DPP) is a strategic litigation and advocacy project that combats the criminalization of poverty. Our work aims to counter the incentives for governments and private companies to shift the costs of the criminal legal system onto those least able to pay: indigent criminal defendants, their families, and their communities. We fight for the rights of individuals facing jail because they can’t pay fines and fees and against the abusive imposition, enforcement, and collection of fines and fees. We seek to hire a staff attorney with civil rights litigation and advocacy experience who will be dedicated to fighting the criminalization of poverty.

The attorney can be expected to work on cases in any or all of DPP’s focus areas, including:
  • Class actions against for-profit companies and/or government agencies for constitutional violations related to jailing individuals who are unable to pay fines and fees.
  • Challenges to the imposition of excessive fines and fees, including public defender fees, on criminal defendants on adults and juveniles—including both affirmative civil litigation and direct appeals on behalf of individual defendants.
  • Consumer protection lawsuits against private debt collectors that collect criminal legal debt.
  • Challenges to cash bail systems.
  • Advocacy on behalf of homeless individuals and communities who are subjected to unpayable fines and fees arising out of conduct related to the state of being homeless.

This position is a full-time exempt position and reports to the DPP Director. Our preference is for this attorney to be based in our West Coast Office (Oakland, CA), our national headquarters in Washington, D.C., but we will consider applications from especially qualified candidates seeking to work remotely from other parts of the country. Because Public Justice handles litigation and advocacy nationally, the position will entail some travel. The attorney will work closely with the DPP team, as well as with other Public Justice attorneys and advocates at allied organizations, including public interest lawyers at other organizations, lawyers at private firms, public defenders, legal services lawyers, community activists, investigators, and organizers.

Job Responsibilities

  • Serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in the investigation and development of impact litigation, amicus briefs, and special legal projects that further the strategic goals of DPP and the mission of Public Justice.
  • Participate in the full range of litigation tasks involved in challenging criminal fines and fees, including factual investigation, identifying clients, conducting legal research and analysis, briefing, oral arguments, client communications, and settlement negotiations.
  • Manage and respond to intakes and inquiries involving the work of DPP Develop and engage in a broad range of legal advocacy through and outside the courts (including drafting letters to local governments, courts, and agencies; participating in meetings and events; and coordinating with allied organizations) regarding DPP’s advocacy priorities.
  • Draft blog posts, engage social media, and participate with Public Justice’s communications team in developing and implementing media plans to educate lawmakers, lawyers, grassroots supporters, reporters, and the public about our clients and about fines and fees in the criminal legal system that perpetuate cycles of poverty.
  • Build networks and collaborate with allies to advance the mission of DPP. Participate in strategic planning and other planning initiatives for DPP.

Qualifications

  • Law school graduate with at least 2 to 3 years of relevant legal and advocacy experience (clerkships will count toward that experience)
  • Admission to a State Bar.
  • Preference given to applicants with at least three years of experience, ideally in either affirmative civil rights class actions, public defense, or other fines and fees litigation.
  • Strong commitment to racial justice, demarcation, and ending wealth-based discrimination.
  • Excellent analytical, legal research, and writing skills.
  • Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
  • Self-motivation and proven ability to work as part of a team.
  • Strong work ethic, initiative, and sound, yet creative judgment.
  • Willingness to travel.
  • Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of and the ability to work with individuals and groups from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
  • Ability and willingness to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work community that encourages collaboration.

We offer a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented approach, and a competitive compensation package. We recognize and support healthy work-life balance policies, including operating on a four-day work week all-year round. We also offer a generous benefits package, including at least three weeks of paid vacation, two weeks of sick leave, and two personal days each year, all federal and some local holidays, employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums, and a 401(k) plan. Our attorneys are paid on a salary scale based on years out of law school. The annual salary will be set by a pay scale and likely start at $76,000 but will depend on experience. Public Justice requires those working in its offices to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Reasonable accommodations to this requirement, including remote work, based on disability or a sincerely held religious belief will be considered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
  1. Cover letter that conveys why you are drawn to DPP’s mission and how your particular experience makes you a strong candidate for this position
  2. Resume
  3. Law school transcript (official or unofficial)
  4. Contact information for three references
  5. Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that is either unedited or only lightly edited by someone other than you; please include 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. The application deadline is December 19, 2022, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We are seeking applicants who can ideally start in the first quarter of 2023. Please submit both files to bhardingham@publicjustice.net.

Public Justice is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities; people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals; LGBTQ+ individuals; people of all genders; veterans; previously incarcerated individuals; and people of all ages. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email lhughes@publicjustice.net.

Senior Major Gifts Officer

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Public Justice is a public interest legal advocacy organization that takes on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time—abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights and liberties, and the destruction of the earth’s sustainability. We connect high impact litigation with strategic communications and the strength of our partnerships to fight these abusive and discriminatory system and win social and economic justice.

Public Justice is looking for a talented and creative senior-level fundraising professional with a passion for building, sustaining, and growing donor relationships and deep experience in communicating and building support for non-profit causes. This position can be based in Public Justice’s Washington, DC or Oakland office, or performed remotely.

Public Justice takes on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time – abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights, and the destruction of the earth’s sustainability. We connect high-impact litigation with strategic communications and the strength of our partnerships to fight these abusive and discriminatory systems and win social and economic justice. In particular, we ensure access to the civil justice system, protect the civil rights of students, boldly lead efforts to reform the industrial agriculture system, fight to end qualified immunity and modern-day debtor’s prisons, enforce the nation’s most important environmental laws, and much more.

The Senior Major Gifts Officer works with the Senior Director of Development to develop and implement strategies for cultivation, retention, and stewardship of major donor members and supporters (giving $5,000+ annually). The Senior Major Gifts Officer will provide planning, coordinating, and follow through with the implementation of donor engagement strategies for one-on-one contact with the organization’s major donors – including both new and long-term supporters, as well as major donor prospects. We’re looking for a talented and creative individual with a passion for building, sustaining and growing donor relationships. The ideal candidate will have an ability to understand the needs and interests of Public Justice’s major donors and use that skill to build increased support for the organization. This position is open immediately, is part of the organization’s Department of External Affairs, and reports to the Senior Director of Development. This position may be based remotely, or in our Washington D.C. or Oakland, CA office. This is an exempt position and open immediately.

Job Responsibilities

  • Manage Public Justice’s Major Gifts Program, the Justice for All Fund.
  • Secure new or increased gifts of $5,000+ for the Justice for All Fund and Public Justice’s Major Donor Membership Program.
  • Manage and track cultivation, stewardship, upgrades, and recognition of an existing portfolio of major donors including personal visits, communications, meetings, and calls.
  • Support the fundraising efforts of the Executive Director, Senior Director of Development, and Board of Directors by managing their individual donor portfolios and accompanying them on donor visits.
  • With an assigned portfolio of roughly 50-100 major donors and major donor prospects, personally initiate and cultivate one on one relationships that enhance the donor’s connection to Public Justice.
  • Design highly customized engagement plans for assigned donors in collaboration with the Senior Director of Development.
  • Ensure the implementation of personalized donor recognition for assigned donors.
  • Oversee Public Justice’s Planned Giving Program, the Public Justice Society.
  • Integrate Planned Giving options into donor relationship development activities.
  • Actively update and support the donor database to maintain and capture critical donor information.
  • Assist, as needed, in prospect research and identification, including engaging in the continuous cultivation of new prospects.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Minimum of 7 years’ experience in fundraising, sales, or business development required.
  • Must have excellent relationship building skills, strong organization, and follow-up skills.
  • Proven track-record of securing major gifts or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
  • Good judgment and ability to maintain confidential information. Must be able to exercise initiative, flexibility, discretion, and decision-making skills.
  • Willingness to travel and network outside of normal business hours, such as fundraising dinners, conferences, and one on one meetings with current and prospective major donors.
  • Experience working with Microsoft office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel; Powerpoint); high level of comfort working with online applications.
  • Knowledge of the legal community strongly preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Public Justice offers a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented approach, and a competitive compensation package. We provide excellent benefits, including at least three weeks of paid vacation, a four-day, 30-hour work week, two weeks of sick leave, two personal days each year, all federal and some local holidays, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance premiums, and a 401(k) plan.

The salary for this position will be between $120,000 – $140,000, depending on experience. Public Justice requires those working in its offices to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Reasonable accommodations to this requirement, including remote work, based on disability or a sincerely held religious belief, will be considered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and contact information for two references to Kelly Simon, Senior Director of Development, with the subject line ‘Senior Major Gifts Officer’ to ksimon@publicjustice.net. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by January 31, 2023, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Public Justice is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities; people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals; LGBTQ individuals; people of all genders; veterans; and people of all ages. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email lhughes@publicjustice.net.

Membership Manager

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Public Justice is looking for a talented and creative fundraiser with a passion for building, sustaining, and growing donor relationships and an interest in communicating Public Justice’s work, and progress, to our most dedicated supporters. Public Justice takes on the biggest systemic threats to justice of our time – abusive corporate power and predatory practices, the assault on civil rights, and the destruction of the earth’s sustainability. We connect high-impact litigation with strategic communications and the strength of our partnerships to fight these abusive and discriminatory systems and win social and economic justice.

In particular, we ensure access to the civil justice system, protect the civil rights of students, boldly lead efforts to reform the industrial agriculture system, fight to end qualified immunity and modern-day debtor’s prisons, enforce the nation’s most important environmental laws, and much more.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to help raise funds for some of the most critical legal and social issues facing the country. The Membership Manager works with the Senior Director of Development to develop and implement strategies for acquisition, retention, and cultivation of major donor members ($6,000 +) and mid-level members and supporters (i.e., those who give $300-$2,999 annually).

This position is open immediately, is part of the organization’s Department of External Affairs, and reports to the Senior Director of Development. This position can be based in our Washington D.C. or Oakland, CA office, or remotely from other parts of the country. This is an exempt position and open immediately.

Job Responsibilities

  • Lead all membership acquisitions, cultivation, renewal and upgrading activities for identified categories of members and prospects; draft compelling and effective solicitations, recruitment and renewal correspondence for Public Justice Foundation members and prospective members. Manage the distribution process for these correspondences.
  • Identify, develop and implement creative strategies and campaigns geared toward increasing both total membership and annual member income.
  • Establish and meet overall membership goals annually.
  • Respond to membership inquiries; interact with donors and prospects via phone, email, social media, and at cultivation and fundraising events. As needed, travel to events to promote membership and to support other Development Department activities.
  • Manage monthly renewal program and seek ways to improve and streamline membership renewal efforts. Where possible, work to encourage members to transition to monthly giving option.
  • Manage the Annual Phonathon, the organization’s volunteer fundraising drive. Lead Board and volunteer trainings; manage ongoing updates to online fundraising platform (Justice Builder) with web developer; act as project manager to assist Development Team in event execution; plan and purchase all event décor and materials; and, manage process with vendors for creation of prizes and awards.
  • Work with Public Justice’s Membership & Outreach Committee and the Development Committee to encourage methods of growing membership base.
  • Supervise the regular maintenance and accuracy of membership data in the donor database and in the online Member Directory.
  • Plan and manage series of regional member and major donor events, working in conjunction with the Senior Director of Development and Senior Meetings and Events Manager.
  • Coordinate with the Senior Director of Development and other development staff on special individual giving and membership campaigns, including end of year fundraising campaign, Board and Committee fundraising drives, social media fundraising campaigns, and peer to peer fundraising campaigns.
  • As requested, produce articles, updates, and reports on membership activities.
  • Provide monthly membership fundraising reports to the Membership Committee.
  • Perform routine administrative duties and other tasks as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • 2–4 years of previous experience in membership and/or fund development.
    Comfort designing, implementing, and training others on technological tools.
  • Customer-service mentality in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.
  • Good judgment and ability to maintain confidential information.
  • Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail, planning, and organizational skills.
  • Experience working with Microsoft office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel; Powerpoint); high level of comfort working with online applications.
  • Experience working with database platforms DonorPerfect or EveryAction is desired but not required.
  • Healthy sense of outrage and desire to change the world for the better.
    Willingness to travel, on occasion, to Board meetings and other membership recruitment events (10% of the time).

Salary and Benefits

Public Justice offers a mission-focused work environment, a teamwork and community-oriented approach, and a competitive compensation package. We provide excellent benefits, including at least three weeks of paid vacation, four-day work week, two weeks of sick leave, two personal days each year, all federal and some local holidays, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance premiums, and a 401(k) plan. The salary for this position will be between $65,000 and $75,000, depending on experience. Public Justice requires those working in its offices to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Reasonable accommodations to this requirement, including remote work, based on disability or a sincerely held religious belief, will be considered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and contact information for two references to Kelly Simon, Senior Director of Development, with the subject line ‘Membership Manager’ to ksimon@publicjustice.net. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by January 31, 2023, at which point applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Public Justice is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities; people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals; LGBTQ individuals; people of all genders; veterans; and people of all ages. Public Justice is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email lhughes@publicjustice.net.

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