Employment Opportunities

Project Leader: Oil Disaster Response

June 01, 2010

Project Leader: Oil Disaster Response

The Mississippi Center for Justice seeks an experienced lawyer to lead its response to the emerging oil disaster on the Gulf Coast. As a first responder in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Center has important experience, skills and other assets to contribute to this effort. However, the Center needs additional capacity and specialized environmental expertise to address this new crisis.

The ideal candidate for Project Leader would promptly re-locate to the Center’s Biloxi office. The duration of this position is indefinite, however the successful candidate will be expected to commit to at least 6 months to one year to successfully launch the project.

Responsibilities of the Project Leader will include:
• Design and implement a comprehensive program to provide systemic legal advocacy as well as individual outreach, education and assistance to the oil disaster’s most vulnerable victims, including low-wealth individuals and communities of color on the Mississippi coast.
• Work with Center staff to adapt its post-Katrina delivery models to this new disaster, including community clinics, deployment of the volunteer services of lawyers and law students, and partnerships with local and national advocacy groups.
• Collaborate with Center staff and regional and national advocates in developing a robust and lasting multi-state environmental justice infrastructure in the Deep South.
• Recruit and hire additional staff as needed to implement the emergency response and the comprehensive, long-range plan.

Qualifications and experience:
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in environment advocacy.
• Licensed to practice and in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Litigation experience, such as with claims under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and maritime commercial plaintiff cases, is preferred.
• Vietnamese language proficiency would be a great advantage.

The Center is presently seeking funding for the position. The position will have salary and benefits competitive with similar public interest positions.

Contact: Martha Bergmark, President, Mississippi Center for Justice, mbergmark@mscenterforjustice.org or 601-209-1892.