The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

The American Association for Justice (AAJ) works to preserve the constitutional right to trial by jury and to make sure people have a fair chance to seek justice when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others - even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations.

AAJ is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel for its Legal Affairs department. The Senior Legal Counsel will support AAJ’s Legal Affairs team, focusing primarily on the amicus curiae program, while also advising AAJ and its related entities on compliance, governance, and contractual matters.

Essential Duties include:   

• Case Screening & Legal Analysis: Monitor relevant litigation and evaluate amicus participation based on alignment with AAJ’s mission.
• Brief Drafting: Draft, edit, and file persuasive, high-quality amicus briefs, ensuring compliance with court rules and deadlines.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with external counsel and pro-consumer groups to develop and strengthen legal arguments.
• Legal Advisory: Provide counsel on a broad range of issues, including nonprofit governance, regulatory compliance, transactions, and contracts.
• Contract Management: Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret legal agreements.
• Legal Operations: Maintain case-tracking systems and manage internal deadlines.
• Special Projects: Handle additional legal tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 5 years of legal experience; appellate or public interest background preferred.
• Active member of a state bar; federal court admission (e.g., Supreme Court) preferred
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Deep knowledge of and commitment to civil justice, trial by jury, and access to courts.
• Excellent attention to detail and familiarity with Bluebook citation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Sound judgment and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to provide guidance to other team members; no direct reports.
• Ability to work independently on complex legal matters with minimal supervision.

Salary Range: $91,200 - $114,000

Benefits and Perks for Working with AAJ:

• Hybrid work schedule, onsite Tuesday through Thursday and 100% remote work for the month of August (for most employees)
• Comprehensive health insurance which includes, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending account (FSA), and 401K with an employer match
• Generous paid leave (e.g., vacation, sick, personal, parental), 11 federal holidays, and paid time off between Christmas and New Years
• Subsidized metro transit and/or parking benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Company social events
• Office conveniently located ½ block from Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station in downtown Washington, DC

AAJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No phone calls please! 

About American Association for Justice

American Association for Justice (AAJ) delivers Exceptional Education, Unparalleled Advocacy, and a Dedicated Community of Trial Lawyers Fighting for Justice. AAJ promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, safeguards victims' rights—particularly the right to trial by jury—and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. With members worldwide, and a network of U.S. and Canadian affiliates involved in diverse areas of trial advocacy, AAJ provides lawyers with the information and professional assistance needed to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values inherent in the civil justice system.

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