Litigation Director

About the Organization

The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is dedicated to safeguarding animal lives and advancing their interests through the legal system. The organization pursues its mission by initiating impactful lawsuits against animal abuse, offering pro bono legal aid and training to prosecutors, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, opposing harmful legislation, promoting effective industry regulation, and providing educational resources to law students and professionals in the emerging field of animal law.

Role Overview

The Litigation Director leads ALDF's Litigation Program, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, strategic plan, and budget. Responsibilities include setting program goals and strategies, overseeing case development and legal evaluations, managing daily operations, and guiding staff performance and training. The Director collaborates closely with senior leadership across departments to support organizational goals and assists in cultivating donor relationships in partnership with the Development Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with ALDF leadership to establish innovative litigation goals and strategies targeting key legal areas and creating new impact litigation approaches.
• Lead and develop the Litigation Program team through performance oversight, coaching, and evaluations.
• Ensure high-quality, professional legal work across the team and enforce compliance with ALDF policies and ethical standards.
• Manage staff directly as needed and oversee the program budget to meet operational and financial objectives.
• Coordinate with other program areas such as Criminal Justice, Legislative Affairs, and Pro Bono Programs for cases with cross-program impact.
• Prepare regular reports on program activities and finances for senior leadership.
• Provide overall management and administrative supervision, including accurate record-keeping and donor reporting collaboration.
• Represent the Litigation Program at conferences, fundraising events, and media engagements.
• Support communications including responding to legal queries and contributing to ALDF publications.
• Contribute to strategic planning as a Leadership Team member and foster a collaborative organizational culture.
• Offer legal expertise on civil litigation, animal law issues, civil procedure, and legal strategy to staff.
• Act as the media spokesperson for the Litigation Program when required.

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years progressively responsible experience in animal protection litigation and litigation management, preferably in nonprofit settings.
• At least 5 years in formal leadership roles with evidence of inclusive team leadership and development.
• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Commitment to ALDF's mission and values.
• Proven success in developing and litigating innovative impact cases in state and federal courts.
• Experience managing complex litigation including complaint drafting, electronic discovery, depositions, expert collaborations, dispositive motions, settlements, and trial leadership.
• Proven ability to hire, train, manage, and mentor litigation teams and outside counsel.
• Demonstrated collaborative skills across diverse legal and advocacy teams.
• Experience in developing and overseeing litigation budgets at both program and case levels.
• High ethical standards with experience ensuring professional integrity and compliance.
• Strategic mindset with excellent leadership, problem-solving, judgment, and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Proficiency in common office software including Outlook, Word, Excel, and internet browsers.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (up to 3 trips per year) for meetings, conferences, training, and donor engagements.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary of $168,453 annually for most locations.
• Increased starting salaries for candidates located within 25 miles of Washington D.C., Cotati CA, and Los Angeles at $177,319.
• Starting salary of $186,184 for candidates near New York City and San Francisco.
• Salary is fixed based on geography to ensure equity and is not negotiable.
• Comprehensive employer-paid health, dental, life, and vision insurance.
• Access to Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts.
• Generous paid time off including 192 hours of PTO, 19 paid holidays, 1-month sabbatical after 5 years, and 16 weeks of parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with 5% employer contribution after one year.
• Flexible work schedules at manager discretion.
• $750 one-time remote work allowance.
• Annual professional development reimbursement up to $1,000.
• Commitment to maintaining work/life balance as a core value.

Additional Information

This position is based in the U.S. and requires verification of identity and work eligibility per federal law. ALDF is an equal opportunity employer, promoting a diverse, discrimination-free, and inclusive workplace. The organization enforces policies protecting against discrimination based on race, gender, disability, age, and other legally protected categories. Offices and events uphold an animal-product-free policy in line with ALDF's mission.

The application deadline is August 10, 2026, with rolling reviews encouraging early submission as the position may be filled prior to the deadline.