Associate Counsel, National Litigation

POSITION TITLE: Associate Counsel, National Litigation
REPORTS TO: Vice President, National Litigation
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Some internal/external supervision. Potential future direct reports.
LOCATION: Anywhere ADL has an office (CSC)
Grade/Class: Grade H, Exempt, Non-Union

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: 

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. 

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

ADL’s National Litigation Department, founded in 2023 with a goal of using legal action as a weapon against antisemitism and extremism has filed more cases in the last two years than in the organization’s entire 110-year history.

The Associate Counsel, National Litigation serves as one of ADL’s leading civil litigators, actively working with clients, and drafting complaints, motions and co-leading cases. Work on cases will range from drafting legal complaints and briefs, to preparing clients for investigative interviews with government agencies. A core function of this role will be to expand ADL’s litigation impact in the fight against antisemitism and extremism, and to continue to examine new legal avenues to impact ADL’s work in the fight against hate.

Primary:

• Lead civil litigation efforts: That will include managing a docket of active cases involving antisemitism and extremism; interviewing witnesses and potential clients; conducting intake activities, including assessment of potential actions; managing discovery and communications with co-counsel and opposing counsel; preparing legal complaints, briefs, and related documents; researching substantive issues of federal and state law.
• Leading thought partner on the National Litigation team. Will continually examine how best to use the courts to counter the rise of antisemitism and extremism.
• Assist in providing strategic litigation advice and guidance to ADL’s regional offices across the United States, particularly on issues related to antisemitism and extremism.
• Prepare and deliver presentations about ADL litigation on antisemitism and extremism.
• Analyze potential incoming cases, and make recommendations to the VP, National Litigation as to whether ADL should move forward on specific cases.
• Work closely with law firms across the country as co-counsel, as well as other non-profits in the litigation space.
• Respond, as appropriate, to legal inquiries from internal and external sources, including other ADL staff, volunteer leaders, constituents, coalition partners, and government officials.
• Help serve as a bridge to ADL’s regional offices and work with ADL’s Center on Extremism (COE) and the National Affairs team.

Skills:

• Legal analytical and legal drafting skills are essential.
• Highly effective interpersonal, communications, and public speaking skills.
• Highly collaborative--actively seeks the ideas, feedback, and participation of colleagues.
• Can thrive and lead in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to develop project/work plans and execute them with minimal supervision.

Work Experience:

• Substantial and demonstrable experience in civil litigation. Significant direct professional experience, representing clients in civil litigation matters.

Education:

• J.D. degree required.

Work Environment:

• Flexibility to work extended hours or on weekends as may be needed is required.
• Ability to spend long hours upon occasion at workstation/computer.
• Travel to attend court hearings; depositions; client interviews, as needed.
• Occasional travel on weekdays and weekends to attend events and conferences will be required from time to time. Occasional travel to regional offices, to D.C., or to ADL’s national office in New York may be required.
• ADL is a hybrid environment; though this role may be hybrid or remote. 

Compensation:

• This position has a salary range of $135,000 to $155,000. This salary range is reflective of a position based in New York, New York. Please note that actual salaries are commensurate with experience and reflect the budget for a given position, and since ADL has a location-based compensation structure, there may be a different range for candidates in other locations. For an overview of our total rewards package, please visit https://www.adl.org/about/careers.

ADL aims to create a working environment where every employee can thrive professionally.  Our mission-driven work is best accomplished in an environment that supports belonging. ADL values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. ADL is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, promotions and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment shall be maintained in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or military status, or in violation of any applicable Federal, state or local laws.      

ADL will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation to support the interview process, please contact the People & Culture department at talentacquisition@adl.org.      

ADL will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable State, Local, and Federal laws.   

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job, nor is it to be interpreted as a contract for employment.