Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Civil Rights Attorney licensed in Virginia, specializing in cases involving government misconduct, suppression of evidence, retaliation, and racial bias. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of federal civil rights laws, including 42 U.S.C. § 1983, First Amendment, and Equal Protection Clause, and a proven track record of success in securing favorable outcomes for clients. Crucially, this position requires deep familiarity with US Navy contractual protections and obligations, as well as the potential for systemic neglect infringing upon those contractual and constitutional rights. This includes understanding how US Navy policies, and the failure to uphold those policies, can lead to actionable claims.
In addition, the successful candidate must be able to analyze how systemic failures—such as delays or inaction by the US Navy in investigating or addressing misconduct—can impact legal claims. This involves understanding whether doctrines like equitable tolling or abuse of process might be applicable, which are highly fact-specific.
Fact-specific considerations include:
- The details outlined within US Navy policies and procedural documents such as the US Navy Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), SAAR-N (Security Assistance and Acquisition Reform - US Navy), and specific US Navy Task Orders.
- Whether these documents establish obligations for timely investigations, responses, or corrective actions, and if those obligations were neglected or actively violated.
- Evidence demonstrating systemic neglect, suppression of information, or failure to act despite known misconduct, which could support equitable tolling or similar legal arguments.
- How the US Navy’s documented policies and contractual commitments relate to the timing and conduct of investigations, and whether systemic issues or misconduct created barriers to timely legal action.
Responsibilities:
- Represent clients in civil rights litigation, focusing on cases involving government misconduct, including suppression of evidence (media cover-ups, wrongful termination, retaliation), misfeasance, and racial bias within the context of US Navy employment or related activities.
- Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to identify actionable claims under federal civil rights statutes, including 42 U.S.C. § 1983, First Amendment, and Equal Protection Clause.
- Develop and implement litigation strategies to address systemic issues of neglect and discrimination within Navy policies and procedures.
- Effectively utilize evidence gathered from various sources, including internal US Navy documents, media reports, witness testimony, and contractual obligations, to build strong cases.
- Research and understand US Navy contractual protections and obligations, including how systemic issues and documented policy failures impact the ability of clients to exercise their rights.
- Advocate for Congressional hearings, inspector general investigations, or executive oversight measures to address government misconduct.
- Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and relevant government entities.
- Manage caseloads effectively and maintain meticulous records.
- Work on a contingency basis.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active Virginia State Bar license.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience practicing civil rights law, with a demonstrated ability to litigate cases to favorable conclusions.
- Strong understanding of US Navy policies and procedures, including contractual obligations, and the impact of systemic issues on constitutional rights.
- Proven ability to research and analyze complex legal issues, including those involving government misconduct, systemic neglect, and suppression of evidence, with an emphasis on fact-specific analysis.
- Excellent legal writing and advocacy skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Experience in using various legal research tools.
- Demonstrated understanding of the NAACP's mission and strategies.
Bonus Points:
- Experience working with or on behalf of military personnel.
- Familiarity with administrative remedies and appeals processes within the US Navy and federal government.