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

Advise and counsel the Association on legal issues to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local law and Association policy, procedure, and past practice to mitigate or prevent legal exposure and enhance/maintain the Association’s reputation and good standing. 

 

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

Provide primary support to the Standing Committee on Amicus Curiae Briefs, in preparing and filing Association amicus briefs in the United States Supreme and other venues.  Requires significant writing and editing. 

Provides legal advice and litigation services on behalf of the Association, including drafting, reviewing, and filing pleadings, participation in negotiations in court, administrative, and mediation proceedings and management of outside counsel.

Provides legal advice and counsel to Association staff.  Conducts legal research, provides legal analysis, and prepares written opinions and other documents as required in a broad range of legal practice areas.

Drafts new or reviews and edits contracts for goods and services to ensure that the providers perform in compliance with the law and Association policies and procedures.  May negotiate with external service provides regarding revised terms and conditions.  Approves/Disapproves proposed contracts based upon his/her review.

Will support assigned business units within the Association for all legal advice and counsel needs.  Support may be aligned with a specialized practice of law, contract law, and/or general practice.

Provides legal support to other areas of practice within the General Counsel’s Office on major cases and/or initiatives.

Performs other related duties as required. 

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Member in good standing in possession of an active license to practice law in the State of Illinois.

At least four years civil or commercial litigation experience; experience in drafting pleadings, motions, briefs; experience in witness preparation, depositions, mediations, and agency administrative hearings; trial experience; experience resolving disputes and documenting settlements; experience with electronic discovery, legal holds, and document production.

Significant experience drafting and filing appellate briefs in state or federal courts; experience with oral argument.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

Experience with federal grants, subgrants, federal contracts, and/or compliance with federal regulations.

Experience drafting amicus briefs.

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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