Director of Litigation

About the FirmUpper Seven Law is a Montana-based nonprofit law firm dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. We believe that creativity and innovation in law are essential to advancing social justice and public interest objectives. This firm takes smart risks and invests the time necessary to build foundations for long-term accountability work.

PositionUpper Seven Law seeks a creative and experienced litigator to join our team as theincoming Litigation Director (to overlap with our outgoing Litigation Director). Inthis role, you will help shape Upper Seven’s litigation strategy, oversee a team ofbetween three and six staff attorneys and legal fellows, manage and direct day-today litigation tasks, and collaborate closely with the Executive Director.

Ideal candidates have experience with brief writing, complaint development,discovery, building client relationships, and litigating claims for declaratory andinjunctive relief. A generalist or constitutional background is particularly welcome,but not required. Essential qualities include the ability to remain calm underpressure, think innovatively and strategically to solve legal problems, workcollaboratively with others, train and supervise other attorneys, and give andreceive feedback with grace.

The position is based in Helena, Montana, reports to the Executive Director, andforms part of the leadership team.

Responsibilities & Opportunities▪ Litigation Management: Oversee a docket of up to 15 active cases in state andfederal court; supervise a team of three to six staff attorneys; manage anddevelop case-specific litigation strategies and priorities; advocate in court andthrough day-to-day litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions, briefs,and discovery; and collaborate regularly with the Executive Director.▪ Legal Advocacy & Leadership: Lead staff attorneys in articulating compellinglegal arguments and narratives in briefs, memos, press releases, and otherdocuments related to new projects and ongoing litigation; collaborate with theleadership team to formulate a vision for pursuing work that holds thepowerful accountable, serves the public interest, and meets community needsthrough cases and projects that fit meaningfully in an overall legal strategy.▪ Team Management & Supervision: Manage and mentor Upper Seven’sgrowing team of attorneys, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, learning, and leadership; provide guidance and support to ensure the highest quality legal work and professional growth for all team members. In collaboration with the Operations Director, develop department policies and procedures to improve internal processes, manage relationships internally and externally. Develop litigation talent.▪ Partnership Development: Cultivate strategic partnerships with otherorganizations, community groups, and legal experts. Engage stakeholders,including the press and donors, to build coalitions, support grassrootsinitiatives, and support Upper Seven’s mission. Represent Upper Seven atconferences, in media, and at local gatherings and events.

Experience & Qualifications▪ JD from an accredited law school; active and in good standing membershipwith the Montana bar or the ability to be admitted in Montana.▪ Exceptional writing ability.▪ Roughly 5+ years of relevant litigation experience, with a demonstrated trackrecord of effective advocacy in federal and state court proceedings.▪ Excellent leadership abilities, including experience mentoring attorneys.▪ Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulatecomplex legal concepts.▪ Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for social justice and accountability.▪ Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.