Senior Litigating Attorney (Housing)

Position Summary: The Senior Litigating Attorney will serve as our lead litigator and will work closely with the Executive Director to build our litigation program.  This role involves managing a caseload, creating and executing litigation strategy, and participating in the development of the vision and systems for a full litigation program.

Organization: Memphis Public Interest Law Center (MPILC)

Location: Memphis, TN

About Us: Memphis Public Interest Law Center is a non-profit public interest law firm whose mission is to fill the gap in legal services in the Memphis area. The Housing Project is our grass-roots legal advocacy project that addresses the rental housing crisis through renter-centered research, education, and advocacy.  We provide the full spectrum of direct legal services as part of our advocacy program.  We like to challenge unlawful practices and see the law enforced.  We believe that to build Memphis, we have to build Memphians – not just programs.  One of the ways we do that is by utilizing an approach to legal service delivery that centers the people we serve.  What we do is as important as how we do it.

We started doing this work in 2020 as a pop-up tenants’ rights organization and have been growing since then.  Requests for service increased by 250% in 2023 and have continued at that pace.  We are seeking an experienced Senior Litigating Attorney to help us better meet the demand for services and to help us transition our small litigation team into a full litigation program.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Case Management:

• Handle all aspects of case management and litigation, from the first client meeting to conclusion of the representation, including court appearances, motion practice and trials at multiple court levels;
• Provide high-quality legal representation that reflects our renter-centered approach to legal service delivery; and,
• Develop case management systems that are scalable, sustainable and integrate easily with our database and case management platforms.

Litigation Program Development:

• Develop and refine litigation strategies to address individual and systemic barriers to housing security for local renters;
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to create a plan for a fully staffed litigation program; and,
• Support the development of internal systems and processes to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Optional Leadership Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of organizational strategies and policies related to litigation and advocacy;
• Participate in other aspects of our programming, including community outreach, education, and policy advocacy; and,
• Identify emerging legal trends, opportunities, and challenges in the fields of housing and landlord/tenant law.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

Experience: At least 5 years of courtroom litigation (preferably more).

Licensure: Membership in TN State Bar or eligibility and willingness to become a member promptly.

OTHER INFORMATION

This job might be a good fit for you if:

• You are driven by a desire to provide a high-quality work product.
• You are motivated by the belief that for our legal system to work, it must be accessible to everyone.
• You like to stand up to bullies.
• You are an independent thinker who is excited by the thought of creatively using your legal toolkit for advocacy in and out of the courtroom.
• You are deeply committed to the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.

This is not the job for you if:

• You do not want to be in the courtroom.
• You are easily intimidated.
• You think you have all of the answers.
• Working directly with clients is your least favorite part of practicing law.

Whether you are early in your career and hungry to build your practice, or closer to retirement and want something meaningful in the twilight of your career – or anything in between; whether you are motivated by the hope that you can change the world or the frustration that you haven’t yet been able to – if this excites you and sounds like a fit, we want to hear from you. 

Compensation: Salary range is $75,000 - $90,000 based on relevant experience.  Benefits include: health, dental, and 401k.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resumé, cover letter, writing sample, and the names and contact information of two professional refences to [email protected]. Please include “Senior Attorney Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line.

Deadline for Applications: Until the position is filled.

Contact Information: For any questions about the position, please contact Jamie Johnson at [email protected] or 901.273.7156.

Memphis Public Interest Law Center (MPILC) is a non-profit, public interest law firm located in Memphis, Tennessee.  MPILC received its 501(c)(3) status in 2014.  MPILC was formed to fill the gap in legal services in the Memphis area through the provision research, education, and advocacy to underserved populations and issues. 

Memphis Public Interest Law Center does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identify and expression, disability, source of income, or status as a veteran.