The William E. Morris Institute for Justice is seeking a Director of Litigation and Advocacy. Founded in 1996, the Institute is a non-profit state-wide program with a mission to promote justice and opportunity for low-income and underrepresented Arizonans through systemic advocacy. Our office is in Phoenix and we currently have a Director of Litigation and Advocacy, two staff attorneys, a secretary (part-time) and lobbyist (part-time).

The Institute works closely with legal services programs and community groups throughout Arizona to identify systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations. The Institute’s work encompasses administrative and legislative advocacy and class action/major policy litigation. Our work includes the substantive areas of access to public benefits (such as food stamps, Medicaid and subsidized housing), unemployment insurance, language access for persons with limited English proficiency, fee waivers and deferrals for court fees and costs, fair practices for tenants in eviction cases, fair housing issues in general, the rights of victims of domestic violence and re-entry issues for persons with criminal histories (such as second or fair chance initiatives) and the rights of immigrants to benefits.

The Institute has a long history of significant achievements in litigation and advocacy. We have successfully challenged Medicaid waivers and the state’s failure to timely process food stamp applications. Recent activities and cases include: successful federal litigation to challenge the City of Phoenix’s decision to not allow immigrants to apply for the CARES Act funded emergency housing and utility assistance; amicus participation in support of the Governor’s Executive Orders in two challenges to his authority regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in the Arizona Supreme Court; federal litigation to challenge the state Medicaid program’s improper reduction of benefits for immigrants at renewal; amicus participation in the Arizona Supreme Court in support of consumers for a specific statute of limitations in debt collection cases; objections filed with the federal government concerning the state Medicaid program’s waiver applications; housing complaint filed with HUD against the City of Glendale’s Section 8 voucher and public housing programs for Title VI and ADA violations; written comments and public testimony in opposition to food stamp rules resulting in rules being pulled; successful negotiations with the State over notices and policies in the food stamp program; petitions for court rule changes in the processing of eviction cases; and legislative advocacy on behalf of low-income Arizonans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our work has shifted to advocacy to explain the new federal benefit opportunities and ensuring Arizona takes all waiver opportunities.

The Director of Litigation and Advocacy reports to the Institute’s Board of Directors and is responsible for the management and oversight of all aspects of the Institute’s legal and advocacy work and supervising staff.

Job Responsibilities

• Identify systemic advocacy issues suitable for Institute work and develop a strategic approach to resolving the matters.
• Take the lead on developing and handling litigation.
• Coordinate advocacy with other legal services programs and community groups on issues affecting low-income Arizonans.
• Engage in legislative advocacy efforts with Institute lobbyist.
• Testify before administrative bodies and at the state legislature.
• Supervise other staff.
• Manage budget, grants, fund raising and other administrative tasks as necessary (administrative functions expected to be 5-10% of position time)

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated strong commitment and passion for equal justice for low-income, immigrant, and other vulnerable populations. Familiarity with the Institute’s focus areas is a plus.
• J.D. and membership in or eligibility for membership in the Arizona Bar by motion (5 years legal experience in state that has reciprocity with Arizona) or by taking next available Bar exam.
• At least 12 years of relevant legal experience. Exceptional candidates with less experience will be considered. Experience in class action/major policy litigation, including conducting discovery, preferred.
• Excellent skills in research, legal analysis, writing, communication, organization, and public speaking.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and to juggle multiple tasks under time restraints.
• Proficiency with law office technology and software.

Deadline to Apply: Position open immediately and will remain open until filled.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Josh Bendor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Salary: The Institute offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

The Institute is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.