Staff Attorney at Justice & Empowerment Initiatives

About the Role

Justice & Empowerment Initiatives (JEI) is seeking a committed Staff Attorney to join our team in Lagos. You will be an innovative thinker with strong technical legal skills, dedicated to using the law as a tool for social change and supporting grassroots legal empowerment and access to justice. You will work collaboratively with JEI staff, community paralegals, and members of grassroots movements we support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide grassroots legal aid and legal education to urban poor populations in Lagos and Port Harcourt, with a focus on persons living in slums/informal settlements, persons working in the informal economy, persons living with disabilities, and minorities
• Train, encourage, and supervise community paralegals in Lagos and Port Harcourt
• Draft and file legal processes and make court appearances
• Conduct legal research in support of strategic litigation and advocacy
• Participate in project management and other responsibilities as part of the JEI team

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in civil litigation and criminal defense (candidates with more than three years' experience are encouraged to apply)
• Degree in law and current admission to the Nigerian Bar
• Demonstrated ability to use law as a tool for social change
• Strong legal writing, legal research, and oral advocacy skills
• Training and teaching skills
• Experience litigating cases

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with grassroots movements
• Training and experience in human rights law
• Training and experience in land law
• NGO project management experience
• Experience in alternative dispute resolution