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.

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

Directs the work and staff of a large ABA legal services or public services entity.  Responsible for budget development and management, including grant development and fund raising.  Undertakes the highest level substantive legal work.  Provides support and expertise to the work of the staff and members of the entity. Hires, trains and supervises the work of other attorneys (including senior attorneys) and the non-legal staff of the entity. Conducts in-depth legal research, writing, and publishing.  Speaks and presents as a national expert in his/her area of legal expertise.  

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

Direct an ABA Legal Services or Public Services entity. Develop and manage agendas, programs/activities and budgets and write grant proposals.

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

Provide substantive advice, information and policy. Serve as principal ABA expert in a substantive area of law or public policy. May conduct research and meetings; develop recommendations and memos. Includes 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 model documents, 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.

Written and in-person contacts with elected officials, staff and bar leaders re. legislation or ABA policies.

Performs other related duties as required.

 

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

Requires Doctoral Degree (JD, PhD).

Admission to the bar in at least one jurisdiction.

Minimum 10 years in law practice in the appropriate substantive area of law.

Experience in resource development, program conception and management, and personnel management required.

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

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.

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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