POLICY COUNSEL

The American Association for Justice (AAJ) is seeking a Policy Counsel for its Public Affairs department.

AAJ works to preserve the constitutional right to trial by jury and to make sure people have a fair chance to seek justice when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of otherseven when it means taking on the most powerful corporations.

The Policy Counsel provides legal, legislative, and policy research in support of AAJ’s advocacy programs. Conducts analysis of state legislation, assists with federal regulatory programs, and supports AAJ’s state and federal advocacy efforts. Assists the state affiliates with their advocacy efforts.

Essential duties include:

• Analyze and assess state legislation and federal regulations affecting access to justice.
• Monitor the daily progress of state legislative proposals, including tracking relevant bills filed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. Provide regular summations of state legislative proposals.
• Draft advocacy material, such as one-pagers, fact sheets, and talking points in response to state legislative activities and to promote AAJ’s and the state affiliates’ policy goals.
• Create and maintain comprehensive 50-state surveys of common, tort, and statutory law.
• Draft model legislation and sample amendments.
• Monitor the Federal Register for civil justice issues.
• Research and draft comments in response to federal rulemaking proposals.
• Engage with AAJ members on policy and regulatory priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Law degree with Bar admission.
• Minimum of one year of relevant experience preferred.
• Strong research, analysis and writing skills.
• Familiarity with state and Congressional legislative and regulatory processes and a commitment to civil justice issues.
• Ability to learn advanced functionality in legislative tracking software. Previous experience with bill tracking is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail is required.
• Possesses exceptional legal research and analytical skills.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Must be able to consistently meet or exceed deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment without sacrificing quality.
• Ability to travel to two conventions and various assigned events throughout the work week.
• A clear understanding of AAJ’s issues and the ability to advocate for them to others.