ABOUT US
For professional staff, Winston & Strawn presents an exciting opportunity to be a part of a leading global law firm. With our commitment to excellence, diversity, a collaborative work environment, and an emphasis on professional growth, Winston offers a platform for individuals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Winston is known for its collaborative and collegial culture. We believe teamwork is an essential component in providing high-quality legal services and we value the talents and skills of our entire professional staff team.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Pro Bono Counsel - Civil Rights -role is responsible for: (a) managing and expanding the firm's prisoner civil rights pro bono practice; (b) training and mentoring partners and associates participating in prisoner civil rights litigation; and (c) advancing the Pro Bono Department's programming goals including its racial justice and equity CEASE Initiative.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage the Firm's Prisoner Civil Rights Practice
- Work with Senior Pro Bono Counsel to review and vet potential new lawsuits for all U.S. offices.
- Supervise teams of associates staffed to prisoner civil rights lawsuits, including review of written work product and oral presentations.
- Consult with partners leading teams staffed to prisoner civil rights lawsuits.
- Manage pro bono prisoner civil rights docket to ensure orderly progression of all lawsuits.
- Participate in Pro Bono Committee and Pro Bono Department meetings and strategy planning.
Train and Mentor Associates and Partners Participating in Prisoner Civil Rights Practice
- Work with Senior Pro Bono Counsel, the firm's Learning & Development team, and the firm's trial training institute to ensure the development of the next generation of litigators through trial experience.
- Create a safe space learning environment to maximize performance of participating associates and partners.
- Create and conduct subject matter trainings as needed for effective advocacy in prisoner civil rights lawsuits.
- Coordinate development of resources supporting the prisoner civil rights practice.
Advance the Pro Bono Department's Programming Goals
- In conjunction with Senior Pro Bono Counsel, vet and examine new litigation matters supporting the Pro Bono Department's programming goals, including the firm's racial justice and equity CEASE Initiative.
- As needed, supervise teams conducting impact litigation, either as an interim supervisor or as a permanent team member.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school required.
- Current bar admission required.
- Minimum ten (10) years of litigation experience including leading trial teams required.
- Demonstrated experience with prisoner civil rights litigation required.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellent judgment to collaborate with firm partners and associates, and the local and national public interest law community.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent people skills and ability to work well with attorneys and staff.
- Significant trial experience to properly teach trial techniques and strategies to teams of attorneys with limited trial experience.
- Willingness to devote time to learn case facts and procedural posture to effectively direct case development and attorney resource allocation.
- Demonstrate the patience and approachability necessary to create a safe learning space to promote effective learning by attorneys with limited trial experience, including associates and partners.
- Strong mentoring skills to provide attorneys encouragement and help them develop the self-confidence needed to effectively present in court.
- Facility with discussing and litigating claims and circumstances that implicate issues of race and potential discrimination.
- Substantial experience with prisoner civil rights litigation under Section 1983, the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other laws.
BENEFITS
In addition to paying competitive, market-based salaries, Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families. Our generous benefits and perks, which are subject to eligibility and may change from time to time, include:
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
- Medical, dental, and vision plans - coverage begins on the first day of employment
- Life & disability insurance
- Pre-tax commuter benefit
- Employee assistance program
- Free premium access to the Calm app
- Mental health first aid responders
WORK-LIFE INTEGRATION
- 24/7 concierge service
- Back-up child and elder care through Bright Horizons
- Free overnight shipment of breast milk for nursing moms when they travel for work
- On-site nursing rooms
RETIREMENT
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Firm-funded retirement plan
TIME OFF
- 10 paid holidays per year
- 10 sick/personal days per year
- Paid vacation time
- Up to 2 days of paid time off to participate in Winston for Good activities
We value diversity in the workplace. EOE/Minorities/Females/Vets/Disabled (EOE=Equal OpportunityEmployer) #LI-DC2