Chief Legal Officer
The Chief Legal Officer (CLO) at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a pivotal executive role reporting directly to the President & CEO. This position involves leading and managing a strategic and innovative litigation docket at federal, state, and regional levels. The CLO will oversee a large and experienced legal team, ensuring the organization's impact advocacy and litigation strategies are effectively implemented. SPLC is a renowned civil rights organization dedicated to dismantling white supremacy and advancing human rights, with offices in Montgomery, AL; Atlanta, GA; and Washington, DC.
Key responsibilities include providing strategic guidance on legal objectives and priorities to the executive team and board, participating in organization-wide strategic planning, and directing the development and expansion of new legal strategies and policy work. The CLO will also manage the legal department's operations, ensuring high-quality legal representation aligned with SPLC's mission and values. This involves supervising litigation strategies across various practice groups, overseeing structural changes within the department, and managing the annual department budget. Additionally, the CLO will recruit, hire, and mentor a team of litigation professionals, fostering a culture of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The ideal candidate will possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admission to any state bar in the United States. A minimum of 15 years of experience in litigating and managing complex federal and state cases is required, with a strong preference for those with foundational litigation training in government, private law firms, or in-house legal departments. Significant experience in social justice or civil rights litigation and leadership roles in nonprofit legal organizations is highly desirable. The candidate should demonstrate exceptional leadership and management skills, a strategic mindset, and a commitment to fostering an anti-racist work culture.
SPLC offers a competitive compensation package, with a base salary range of $275,000 to $320,000. The organization provides excellent benefits and a supportive working environment. Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed before making a final offer.
Joining SPLC means becoming part of a mission-driven organization committed to racial justice and human rights. The CLO will have the opportunity to lead impactful legal strategies that address systemic challenges and contribute to meaningful social change. SPLC values collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to justice, offering growth opportunities within a dynamic and supportive environment.