During this current situation with COVID-19, the ABA will
continue to accept and process applications for job opportunities.  We
will conduct our recruitment process via alternative means (virtual interviews)
for the time being.

The ABA recruits employees seeking opportunities for challenging and substantive work defending liberty and pursuing justice in the U.S. and around the world.  The ABA offers competitive employment benefits which include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k), commuter benefits, and more.

Undertakes complex, substantive legal work. Provides substantive support and expertise, and manages

multiple ABA projects or ABA committees/commissions. Manages and oversees the work of other attorneys (including senior attorneys). Conducts in-depth legal research, writing, and publishing. Speaks and presents as a national expert in his/her area of legal expertise. Directs educational activities, grant development and/or fund raising.

 

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

-Serve as principal/lead staff for one or more committee/commissions. Develop and manage agendas, programs/activities, budgets and write grant proposals. Assist entity chairs in conducting business meetings.

-Conduct legal or other research. Write memoranda, speeches, articles, including for publication. Participate in development of ABA amicus briefs to the US Supreme Court or other courts.

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

-Provide substantive advice, information and policy. Serve as principal ABA expert in one or more substantive area(s) of law or public policy. Develop recommendations, memoranda, white papers and models. Develop and maintain professional contacts with government entities including officials, law firms, bar groups and with media.

-Give presentations and/or teach on legal or policy issues. Act as a consultant designing substantive content of events, developing training materials, and conducting trainings for external groups.

-Responsible for hiring, managing, supervising and mentoring other counsels, who may also manage staff of the committee or unit.

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

-Initiate or respond, through written and in-person contacts, to government officials, governmental staff and bar leaders regarding legislation or ABA policies.

-Performs other related duties as required.

 

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

-Requires JD and active bar admission in at least one jurisdiction.

-Minimum 8 years in law practice or equivalent substantive experience in areas of law and policy relevant to the entity.

-Experience in resource development, program conception and management, and supervision of employees.

-Strong communication and organizational skills, ability to exercise independent judgment and ability to work well with multiple constituencies.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

-Experience in a not-for profit or volunteer member setting desirable.

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.

Residency requirements may apply.

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