Public Services - Staff Attorney 1

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security.  The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI.  Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). 
 

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

The ABA Cybersecurity Legal Task Force and Commission on Homelessness & Poverty are seeking a full-time Staff Attorney. The Staff Attorney will split their time 50/50 supporting the work of each entity within the ABA. As a Staff Attorney with the Cybersecurity Legal Task Force, you will work with members in this exciting and emerging legal field to examine ways to help lawyers protect their practices and their clients’ confidential information and intellectual property during cyber events, as well as help to position the ABA to contribute to national dialogue about cyber issues. The Task Force is comprised of twenty-two cyber experts from across the country. The Staff Attorney will work closely with these experts to support cybersecurity projects, including cybersecurity for small firms and solo practitioners, election cybersecurity, and collaborative efforts with state bars to promote cybersecurity within the profession.  Work with staff and members to educate the bar and the public about homelessness and poverty and the ways in which the legal community and advocates can assist those in need through court-based diversion, legal services, and interdisciplinary efforts. Your work would be critical in supporting the Commission’s Homeless Court Program, Homeless Youth Legal Network, and the Anti-Poverty Initiative, among other related projects and programs. Through the Commission, you will work with nationally recognized lawyers and advocates to identify and promote best practices and model programs.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

-Conduct legal or other research; write memoranda and articles, including for publication.

Provide substantive advice, information and policy. Includes contacts with government entities, other national or state and local organizations, and sometimes with media.

-Analyze laws, regulations, court rules and policies/policy proposals.
-Provide technical assistance and guidance to outside partners or ABA committees.

-Coordinate or support member sub-groups or advisory committees and coordinate with external constituencies.
-Manage interns/externs.

-Give presentations on legal and public policy issues.
-Design substantive content of events, develop model documents, and conduct trainings.

-Maintain entity communication including website management and internal ABA system functions and responsibilities necessary for the position.

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

-Performs other related duties as required.
 

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience
JD and active bar admission in at least one jurisdiction. 0-3 years legal experience.  Outstanding communication and writing skills, excellent organizational skills, and ability to manage and prioritize a variety of assignments on quick notice exercising independent judgment.  May occasionally conduct attorney trainings and/or plan/host/participate in conferences.  Excellent Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe).

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

Marketing, advertising and design skills.  Social media skills (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter).

Physical Requirements

Typical office work environment with remote opportunities.
 

Extent of Travel Required in the Job

Some travel required.