Job Summary
Undertake high level substantive legal work. Provide substantive support and expertise and manage an ABA project(s) or ABA committee/commission. Conducts in-depth legal research, writes, publishes, speaks – providing technical assistance, directs educational activities, and engages in grant development and fund raising. Also is an expert in his/her specific field; often considered a national expert. Usually supervises the work of other attorneys and staff. May be supervised by/collaborate with another attorney at this level.

 

This role is a higher level than that of Staff Attorney 2/Chief Counsel in that the level of legal work is more sophisticated, the projects are larger, the ABA committees/commissions for whom the work is done involve more members, and the work of the committees/commissions are more complex in the number and scope of the projects.

 

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

-Provide substantive advice, information and policy. Serve as principal ABA expert in a substantive area of law or public policy.
-Conduct research and meetings; develop recommendations and memos. Includes contacts with government entities including officials and with media.

-Write memoranda, speeches, articles, including for publication.

-Analyze laws, regulations, court rules and policies/policy proposals. Prepare memoranda on law or public policy. Provide legal counsel to client or ABA committees.

-Manage substantive/legal aspects of a project.
-Oversee research, report writing and publishing. Coordinate or support member sub-groups or advisory committees, and coordinate with external constituencies.
-Manage, supervise, and mentor staff.

-Give presentations and/or teach on substantive legal or policy issues. Act as a consultant designing substantive content of events, developing model documents, and conducting trainings.

-Research, draft, author, review and critique legislative/rule/policy or regulatory text.
-Manage policy adoption process.

-Performs other related duties as required.

 

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

Doctoral Degree (JD, PhD).  At least 8+ years of practice or other experience in relevant specialized area of law.  Substantial experience and high level of skills in policy analysis and scholarly writing, public speaking, other professional legal writing.  Grant administration and supplemental subject matter experience may be required.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association please call 312-988-5188.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, IL, IN, DC, MD, VA, and TX.  Residency requirements may apply. 

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