Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is the national umbrella organization for the nation’s leading network of women’s health care providers, educators, and advocates, serving women, men, teens and families. Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) is the advocacy and political arm of PPFA. For over 100 years, Planned Parenthood has done more than any other organization in the United States to improve women’s health and safety, prevent unintended pregnancies, and advance the right and ability of individuals and families to make informed and responsible health care decisions.  

The Public Policy Litigation & Law (PPL&L) Department of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) seeks applicants for the position of Staff Attorney. This position can be located either in New York City or Washington, D.C. Beginning in February 2023, all roles denoted as NYC, D.C., or both, will be on a hybrid schedule, requiring at least 2 days per week in-office. Candidates outside the NYC and D.C. areas will be considered for a telecommuting position, which will require periodic travel to NYC and/or D.C. in addition to other work-related travel.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION 

Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading health care providers, educators and advocates, serving women, trans and nonbinary patients, men, teens and families. Our 49 locally-governed affiliates operate more than 600 health centers, serving the diverse needs of each community. For over 100 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to improve and promote the health and safety of the communities and patients we serve, prevent unintended pregnancies, and guarantee that safe and legal abortion services are available to all patients who need them.

PPL&L represents PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates in policy matters that affect the mission of the organization. We conduct litigation in state and federal courts across the country, and we provide legal advice to PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates about legal issues such as pending legislation, regulatory matters, and activities of those opposed to Planned Parenthood that interfere with our ability to provide comprehensive reproductive health care. Given the increasing attacks on abortion access and reproductive rights, we are looking to grow our team in 2023.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Reporting to one of the Senior Directors of PPL&L, the Staff Attorney’s primary responsibilities revolve around conducting significant and high visibility litigation on behalf of PPFA or Planned Parenthood affiliates. Staff Attorneys are likely to have opportunities, over time, to draft trial court and appellate briefs and other filings; conduct discovery, including through document production and depositions; prepare fact and expert witnesses for deposition and trial testimony; present evidence and argument in state and federal court; communicate with clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel; and review communications materials and respond to media inquiries. Depending on interest and Departmental needs, the Staff Attorney may also be engaged in work related to pending legislation and regulatory matters; advising clients in navigating a rapidly shifting post-Roe environment, including by working closely with operational and clinical personnel both at PPFA and at affiliates; and coordinating with internal and external partners on litigation and related strategies, among other responsibilities. The Staff Attorney will also support the career development of associate staff attorneys, interns, and paralegals and contribute to PPL&L’s ongoing work to center the communities most affected by laws restricting access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Many different litigation career paths can develop skills that are valuable for the Staff Attorney role, and candidates are not expected to have experience in all aspects of the position. Experience in reproductive rights is not a requirement. PPL&L is committed to the professional development and growth of all team members.

The PPL&L staff is split between New York City and Washington, D.C., in addition to potential telecommuter positions. Regardless of where the Staff Attorney is located, they would work extensively with the entire PPL&L team, as well as with other staff at PPFA.

■ Law degree.

■ Three to six years of legal practice.

■ Strong research and writing skills.

■ Demonstrated commitment to antiracism and to diversity, equity, and inclusion across differences in race, ethnicity, religion, ability, cultural background, socioeconomic circumstance, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation.

■ Established interest in public interest work, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and/or impact litigation is a plus, but not mandatory.

SALARY $115–130K, depending on experience, plus comprehensive benefits.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, and legal writing sample at the following link: []Ideally the writing sample would be an unedited memo, brief, or draft opinion addressing a complex legal issue, but we understand that the nature of the sample will vary according to your work experience. Please also include information on whether and to what extent the sample was edited by anyone other than you. Feel free to submit your initial application without a writing sample and add your sample at a later date.

Because we are expanding our team to meet new attacks, we intend to fill several positions and applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible. This posting will remain live so long as positions remain available, with the goal of completing this hiring cycle by May 2023.

Nonprofit Organization – General

PRACTICE AREAS 

Constitutional Law/First Amendment, Litigation, Non-Profit, Health Law, Reproductive Rights

NUMBER OF LAWYERS 16–25

We value a truly diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We're committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

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