Litigation Counsel
Full-time | Remote (U.S.)
Litigation Counsel
IALDF is seeking an experienced Litigation Counsel to work on our impact litigation efforts in pursuit of justice and equality.
Full-time | Remote (U.S.)
$100,000 – $130,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
The Iranian American Legal Defense Fund (IALDF) is a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil, political, and economic rights of the Iranian-American community. We use impact litigation, legal advocacy, and public education, as tools to combat discrimination and promote equity. Our work addresses urgent and evolving legal challenges affecting our community–including immigration issues, civil rights violations, banking discrimination, and hate crimes.
The Iranian American Legal Defense Fund is seeking an experienced Litigation Counsel to work on our impact litigation efforts in pursuit of justice and equality. Reporting to the Executive Director (“ED”), and working closely with the Board of Directors and a volunteer Case Review Committee, the Litigation Counsel will identify, develop, and take part in high-impact cases that advance the civil rights of Iranian-Americans and other vulnerable communities. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with litigation experience, outstanding legal research and writing skills, and a deep commitment to public interest advocacy. This role will involve shaping IALDF’s legal strategies, managing a docket of cases from inception to resolution.
As a key member of our team, the Litigation Counsel will collaborate with community partners, other Legal Defense Funds, nonprofits, and pro bono attorneys to amplify our impact, while ensuring that all litigation activities align with IALDF’s mission and values. This position offers a unique opportunity to build IALDF’s litigation program from the ground up and achieve lasting change on issues affecting the Iranian-American community.
- Develop and help Lead ImpactLitigation: Formulate and implement legal strategies to address systemic discrimination and civil rights violations affecting Iranian Americans.Identify potential affirmative cases and craft strategic litigation plans to advance the organization’s mission.
- Case Selection and Oversight: Work with IALDF leadership to evaluate and select cases with broad impact. Prepare case proposals (including legal theories, factual investigation, and resource needs) for review and approval by Case Review Committee and the Board.
- Litigation Management: Serve as one of IALDF’s counsel on a docket of impact litigation cases in federal and state courts. Manage all phases of litigation, including factual investigation, drafting pleadings and briefs, motion practice, discovery, depositions, and trial advocacy.
- Legal Research and Writing: Conduct thorough legal research and write persuasive briefs, motions, and other court filings. Ensure all written work product is of the highest quality and effectively advances our clients’ positions.
- Court Appearances and Advocacy:Represent IALDF and our clients in court hearings, oral arguments, and settlement negotiations. Advocate zealously on matters such as civil rights, immigration policy, and anti-discrimination law, seeking remedies that drive systemic change.
- Settlement and Relief: Where appropriate, negotiate and monitor settlement agreements that secure meaningful relief for the community. Pursue attorneys’ fee awards and other remedies to strengthen IALDF’s capacity to continue its work.
- Collaboration with Co-Counsel andPartners: Work in consultation with co-counsel (inside and outside the Iranian-American community) to devise and execute complex litigation strategies. Partner with pro bono attorneys, law firms, and civil rights organizations to expand IALDF’s litigation capacity and reach.
- Community Engagement: Collaborate with community-based organizations and advocacy groups to identify potential cases and plaintiffs, ensuring our litigation is responsive to community needs.
- Uplifting the voices and stories ofIranian Americans impacted by injustice.
- Public Outreach and Education:Serve as a public advocate for IALDF’s legal work. Work with the communicationsteam to respond to media inquiries and make public presentations about ourcases and the issues they address. Help develop know-your-rights materials andother community education resources stemming from our litigation.
- Reporting and Accountability:Maintain regular communication with the Executive Director, Board, and CaseReview Committee about case progress, significant developments, and litigationstrategy. Ensure compliance with any internal case approval processes andimplement feedback from organizational leadership.
- Long-Term Strategy: Contribute toIALDF’s long-term programmatic strategy. Monitor emerging legal and policy issues affecting the Iranian American community and help the organization proactively position itself to address future challenges.
- Education:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)degree from an accredited law school.
- Bar Admission:
- Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar (must be licensed to practice law in at least one state or jurisdiction)
- Litigation Experience:
- Significant litigation experience in courts (impact litigation, civil rights, public interest, or related areas).
- A minimum of 3 years of legal experience is required, including hands-on experience managing cases through pleadings, discovery, and trial or significant motion practice.
- Experience with class actions or other complex litigation is a plus.
- Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and public interest law. A track record of advocating for the rights of marginalized communities or experience in issues such as anti-discrimination, immigrants’ rights, or constitutional law is highly desirable.
- Legal Skills:
- Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills are required.
- Ablilty to craft clear and compelling legal arguments, and to communicate complex legal issues to diverse audiences (courts, community members, media, etc.).
- Strategic Thinking:
- Ability to think creatively and strategically about the law’s potential to drive social change.
- Capable of identifying promising legal theories and innovative approaches to advance community interests through litigation.
- Case Management:
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to juggle multiple cases and deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail and accountability for results.
- Collaboration:
- Ability to work effectively in coalition and across diverse teams.
- Experience working with co-counsel, partner organizations, or volunteer lawyers on joint efforts is important.
- Ability to build relationships with community partners and work in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Adaptability:
- Self-motivated and capable of working independently in a startup environment.
- Comfortable with a remote work setting and using technology to collaborate.
- Willingness to travel as needed for court proceedings, meetings, and community events.
- Fluency in Farsi and/or familiarity with the Iranian-American community and its legal issues are a plus but not required.
The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $130,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Please submit the following application materials to info@ialdf.org with the subject line “Litigation Counsel Application – [Your Name]”:
- Resume/CV
- CoverLetter detailing your interest and qualifications for this role
- Two legal writing samples (brief, memorandum, or comparable legal writings demonstrating your work)
- List of Three Professional References (name, organization, contact information, and relationship)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. IALDF is committed to inclusive hiring and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you require an accommodation during any stage of the hiring process, please let us know.