Job Description

Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL) is a legal non-profit organization that unleashes the creative potential of the law to protect people and the planet from corporate abuse. We develop new and under-utilized strategies to hold companies accountable for harming workers and communities across international supply chains. We work with impacted communities and use creative processes and mindsets, including design thinking, to build a more just and equitable world.

JOB DESCRIPTION

CAL is seeking an attorney who is fluent in English and Spanish, comfortable with a diversity of tasks, and enjoys working in a collaborative and creative environment to join our team. The seniority of the position will be adjusted based on the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience.

The Human Rights Attorney will be an active member of our dynamic team, reporting to the Senior Staff Attorneys or Executive Director, depending on experience. CAL Attorneys develop and oversee a portfolio of corporate accountability projects related to human rights, environmental, and labor abuses across international supply chains. Attorneys work closely with the Program Officer, Staff Attorneys, Senior Staff Attorneys, and Executive Director on a range of substantive projects, participate in legal design processes, and are involved in all facets of the organization. The ideal candidate is highly organized, self-motivated, and passionate about human rights and corporate accountability. This position is based at CAL’s office in Chicago. 

Corporate Accountability Lab is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices. We actively encourage low-income, BIPOC, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people to apply for all positions. We also encourage individuals with personal connections and/or cultural knowledge of the geographies where CAL works – including West Africa, South America, the Caribbean, or South Asia – to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Staff Attorney will develop and oversee a portfolio of corporate accountability projects related to human rights and labor abuses across international supply chains, and will assist the organization in exploring innovative civil litigation ideas and developing new strategies for human rights and environmental accountability with a particular focus on the Americas.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable with a broad range of tasks, from conducting comparative legal research and collaborating with litigators and advocates, to visiting remote communities and navigating challenges to strategy implementation as they arise.

Specific projects will be based on experience, cultural connection, and language skills. For more information about CAL’s projects, read about our work here .

QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. or equivalent degree, ideally from a US law school;
• Licensed to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction;
• At least 2 years legal experience in public interest work, ideally human rights, environmental, labor, or a related field for the Staff Attorney position, or at least 4 years for a Senior Staff Attorney position
• Written and spoken fluency in English and Spanish (must be native or near-native fluency);
• Legal authorization to work in the United States;
• Ability to work from Chicago (in-person Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; virtual Mondays and Fridays);
• Strong legal research and writing skills;
• A demonstrated commitment to human rights and corporate accountability;
• A demonstrated ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders, including impacted communities from a trauma-informed perspective, partners, and advocates from diverse backgrounds;
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and communication skills; 
• Willingness to help, follow through, and attention to detail;
• Ability to be flexible and take initiative; 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced office environment; willingness to work both individually and as a member of a team; analytical and creative problem-solving skills;
• A sense of humor and willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with design thinking concepts;
• Fluency in a third language, particularly French or Haitian Creole; 
• Familiarity or experience with consensus decision-making processes. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The Human Rights Attorney’s salary is $60,000- $70,000/year, commensurate with experience. CAL covers 80% of the cost of health, dental, and vision insurance for staff and dependents, as well as the full cost of a life insurance policy, plus a 3% non-elective annual IRA contribution. CAL actively encourages work-life balance through flexible working hours, unlimited paid time off (a minimum fourteen days vacation is required annually), and a child and pet-friendly office. The office is closed for thirteen holidays, as well as the last week of the year. Additionally, staff are encouraged to take off for observed religious holidays.

LOCATION

Chicago, Illinois, United States. Please note that location is non-negotiable.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit your cover letter, resume, list of three references with contact information, and a short writing sample in one PDF document. Email the application to info@corpaccountabilitylab.org with the subject line “Human Rights Attorney Application.” Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CAL covers 80% of the cost of health, dental, and vision insurance for staff and dependents, as well as the full cost of a life insurance policy, plus a 3% non-elective annual IRA contribution. CAL actively encourages work-life balance through flexible working hours, unlimited paid time off (a minimum fourteen days vacation is required annually), and a child and pet-friendly office. The office is closed for thirteen holidays, as well as the last week of the year. Additionally, staff are encouraged to take off for observed religious holidays.

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