The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (MALDEF), the nation's premier Latino civil rights organization, is seeking a Staff Attorney for its Regional Office located in San Antonio, Texas. The Staff Attorney will develop and conduct impact litigation in the area of education or employment discrimination. All applicants must have active Texas Bar membership or qualify for Texas Bar membership. Knowledge of Latino civil rights issues and Spanish language fluency preferred.

Please send resume and writing sample to:

Carmen Leija, Legal Secretary, MALDEF, 140 East Houston St., San Antonio, Texas, 78205, ph. (210) 224-5476, fax (210) 224-5382.

TITLE: STAFF ATTORNEY

REPORTS TO: Regional Counsel

LOCATION: San Antonio, Texas

SUMMARY

Perform necessary tasks to maintain a substantial active caseload of litigation and advocacy to promote the educational or employment rights of the Latino community in Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, and other areas as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in state and federal court litigation in the area of education, including bilingual education, tracking, resource allocation, higher education and enrollment eligibility OR serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in state and federal court litigation in the area of employment, including discriminatory hiring, promotion and wage practices, English-only workplace rules and immigrant and low-wage worker issues.

In consultation with co-counsel inside and outside of MALDEF, devise and execute strategic plans in complex litigation.

Conduct depositions and discovery, negotiate and monitor settlement agreements, and pursue attorney fee awards in civil rights litigation.

Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, briefs, and administrative complaints.

Devise investigation plans and investigate potential legal claims; prepare memoranda on budget and legal theory for approval of litigation by MALDEF management.

Respond to media inquiries, make public presentations, and prepare community education materials regarding Latino education or employment rights.

Analyze proposed legislation for impact on Latino educational or employment interests and draft and deliver testimony before legislative bodies.

Participate in developing long-term strategic goals and objectives for the education or employment program and for regional office.

Supervise volunteer and professional support staff assigned to assist in education or employment programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Juris Doctor or equivalent degree; active bar membership in Texas preferred.

Bar membership in New Mexico or Colorado is desirable. Undergraduate or graduate instruction in public policy and/or social sciences is desirable.

Experience

Federal and state court litigation experience, particularly in area of civil rights, immigration, education, or employment is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.

Knowledge and awareness of local, regional, and national issues affecting Latino community.

Knowledge of educational policy and education law is desirable.

Knowledge of employment policy and employment law is desirable.

Teaching or other professional educational experience is desirable.

Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is preferred.

Willingness and ability to engage in local and national travel when required.

POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED.