State Outreach and Policy Counsel - American Association for Justice
AAJ Job Description
The American Association for Justice 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.
Position Responsibilities:
Serve as a point of contact for state trial lawyer associations/affiliates to AAJ.
Coordinate and manage targeted work of other AAJ departments and divisions in delivering support to affiliates.
Provide expertise and technical support to develop and implement statewide legislative and political strategies to advance the civil justice system.
Provide support to all affiliates to ensure the achievement of specific goals quickly and thoroughly.
Manage outreach efforts to state trial lawyer associations and collaborate with state and national leadership and staff to implement projects.
Monitor legislation and activities in the states.
Analyze state legislation and assist in the development of fact sheets, legislative strategy, research and other advocacy documents.
Perform legal research and maintain state laws database.
Monitor state policy trends and be able to lend not only knowledge, but expertise, about the latest trends.
Provide on-site, e-mail and telephone consulting, advocacy training and strategic planning assistance to state affiliates.
Implement methods to work with affiliates to regularly monitor progress in implementing statewide plans.
Collaborate with affiliates and AAJ staff to use state-specific legislative analysis and develop statewide strategies to advance proactive initiatives and defeat restrictive proposals in the states.
Assist in the development and on-site facilitation of national/regional meetings.
Present information to association members and staff.
Maintain current and accurate files, track affiliate activity to provide weekly reports.
Contribute to the State Affairs Department strategic planning process.
Travel to state and national meetings/conferences as needed.
Position Requirements:
Law Degree and 3 to 5 years of progressive work experience.
Commitment to issues important to AAJ and its members.
Ability to identify priorities, work independently and develop tactics for addressing issues or requests.
Extensive knowledge of public policies at the state and federal level.
Adept at consulting, advising and training others to increase legislative activities and strategies.
Strong legal research, analysis, writing skills and excellent attention to detail.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple complex legislative projects simultaneously.
Interest in working collaboratively with a team to accomplish goals.
Self-starter who shows initiative, thinks creatively and finishes tasks thoroughly and completely.
Must be willing and able to work extended hours as needed. Some travel required.
Please send resume and cover letter to AAJ State Affairs Director, Erin Taylor, at 1050 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 or email her at erin.taylor@justice.org.
