The Sylvia Rivera Law Project is excited to announce – We are Hiring a Director of Litigation, Director of Legal Services and Director of Communications!
Read more about our mission, the positions, work, compensation, and qualifications below:
Our Mission
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence. SRLP is a collective organization founded on the understanding that gender self-determination is inextricably intertwined with racial, social and economic justice. Therefore, we seek to increase the political voice and visibility of low-income people of color who are transgender, intersex, or gender non-conforming. SRLP works to improve access to respectful and affirming social, health, and legal services for our communities. We believe that in order to create meaningful political participation and leadership, we must have access to basic means of survival and safety from violence.
Director of Litigation
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project is hiring a Director of Litigation to support our Direct Services Team (DST) in providing zealous advocacy for our clients and communities, which include low-income TGNCI people of color, including immigrants and those who are or have been incarcerated. The Director of Litigation will be one of two attorney positions in the collective. The Director of Litigation will, along with the Director of Legal Services, practice movement lawyering as they ensure members’ survival needs are met through connection to direct services representation, while also using impact litigation to remove barriers and change policy and institutions. The position is full-time offering some remote work along with COVID safety-informed practices.
The Director of Litigation, along with the Directors of Legal Services and Client Services, will be responsible for the administration and oversight of SRLP’s legal program. The Director of Litigation at SRLP will lead the organization’s litigation strategy with a focus on civil defense, civil rights violations, and class action lawsuits impacting TGNCI communities. The role includes advocating for TGNCI individuals in custody, addressing conditions of confinement such as healthcare access, housing transfers, and safety, while ensuring compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The Director of Litigation will also support movement lawyering efforts, collaborating with grassroots organizations and communities to advance systemic change. In addition, the position involves spearheading public education, Know Your Rights trainings, and policy implementation to safeguard the rights of TGNCI people. The Director of Litigation will report to all members of DST, Staff, and Collective. The Director of Litigation will be expected to maintain a small caseload.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Litigation & Legal Advocacy
- Lead and manage litigation focused on civil defense, civil rights violations, and class action lawsuits impacting incarcerated TGNCI individuals.
- Develop and execute litigation strategies to address systemic injustices faced by TGNCI people, with a focus on conditions of confinement including denial of gender-affirming healthcare, housing safety, and protection from violence.
- Pursue class action lawsuits to address widespread violations of civil rights, particularly those impacting TGNCI individuals in institutional settings.
- Ensure the enforcement of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and other directives that protect transgender people in custody from harassment, assault, and discrimination.
- Collaborate with external legal teams, law firms, and community-based organizations on high-impact litigation aimed at advancing the rights of incarcerated TGNCI people.
Movement Lawyering & Policy Advocacy
- Engage in movement lawyering, working with SRLP membership and impacted communities to develop legal strategies that align with broader movements for justice.
- Support advocacy for the development and implementation of policies that improve conditions for TGNCI individuals, particularly those in custody, focusing on healthcare access, safety, and housing rights.
- Collaborate with advocacy groups, policymakers, and government agencies to influence policy reform and ensure the protection of TGNCI individuals’ rights in prisons and other detention facilities.
- Provide legal guidance and contribute to legislative efforts aimed at systemic reform, particularly in areas related to criminal justice and civil rights.
Public Education & Know Your Rights Training
- Lead Know Your Rights workshops and public education initiatives designed to inform TGNCI individuals, particularly those in custody, about their legal rights and protections.
- Develop educational materials and legal resources tailored to TGNCI communities, with a focus on healthcare, safety, and housing rights in confinement.
- Train service providers, advocates, and legal professionals on best practices for supporting TGNCI people in custody, particularly around issues of safety, dignity, and healthcare access.
Supervision and Leadership
- Supervise law student interns, fellows, volunteers and consultants on DST, ensuring high-quality case management and strategic advocacy.
- Collaborate with SRLP’s Movement Building Team to align litigation with the organization’s broader mission and goals to remove barriers to TGNCI liberation.
- Provide mentorship and training to other staff involved in SRLP’s litigation efforts.
- Manage relationships with legal organizations, law firms, and external partners to maximize impact and resources for litigation and advocacy efforts
Areas of Shared Responsibility and Staff Coordination
- Participate in the Collective Development Team’s work, including:
- Organizing board meetings and annual collective retreats.
- Improving and maintaining our infrastructure and capacity for work to continue in a sustainable and non-hierarchical way.
- Increase the participation, decision-making, and leadership of low-income trans people and trans people of color in organizational governance.
- Contribute to short- and long-term organizational planning and strategy.
- Participate in Collective-wide responsibilities including attending monthly meetings, annual retreats, co-supervision, and team meetings.
- Coordinate staff and collective training to increase skills and address growth areas.
- Coordinate development and communication of emergency and safety planning protocols.
- Coordinate office cleaning (shared responsibility among all staff).
Skills and Qualifications:
- A minimum of 5 years of litigation experience, with a focus on criminal defense, civil rights, or class action lawsuits.
- Demonstrated experience advocating for TGNCI individuals, particularly those in custody or facing institutional violence and discrimination.
- Strong background in movement lawyering and working alongside grassroots organizations and social justice movements.
- Deep knowledge of issues affecting incarcerated TGNCI people, including healthcare access, housing safety, and PREA protections.
- Proven experience leading class action lawsuits and high-impact litigation efforts aimed at systemic reform.
- Commitment to racial, economic, and gender justice, with a deep understanding of the intersections between criminal justice and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience in public speaking, community education, and policy advocacy.
- Experience working on policy reform and advocacy in the context of criminal justice, civil rights law, or prisoner’s rights.
- Familiarity with the legal challenges and rights of LGBTQ+ people in detention facilities and institutional settings.
- Prior experience in a nonprofit or grassroots legal organization, with a focus on community-driven legal strategies.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fluency in Spanish or another language;
- Bar admission in the Southern and/or Eastern District of New York;
- Experience litigating in federal court;
- Experience in criminal defense;
- Experience with legal strategic planning;
- Experience working in non-hierarchical settings;
- Knowledge and practice in collective decision-making processes.
Hours and Compensation:
This position is a full-time, salaried position with medical, dental and optical benefits as well as three weeks paid vacation and professional development opportunities. SRLP works in a hybrid working environment. 40 hours/week, some evenings and weekends as necessary. $125,000/year. Consistent with our values as a collective, all staff receive salaries based on the same hourly rate.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references. Applications should be sent to the Hiring Committee at hiring@srlp.org.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls please. We will only contact applicants we intend to interview. SRLP is an equal opportunity employer. Transgender folks and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Director of Legal Services
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project is hiring a Director of Legal Services to support our Direct Services Team (DST) in providing zealous advocacy for our clients and communities, which include low-income TGNCI people of color, including immigrants and those who are or have been incarcerated. The Director of Legal Services will be one of two attorney positions in the collective. The Director of Legal Services will, along with the Director of Litigation, practice movement lawyering as they ensure members’ survival needs are met through connection to direct services representation, while also using impact litigation to remove barriers and change policy and institutions. The position is full-time offering some remote work along with COVID safety-informed practices.
The Director of Legal Services, along with the Directors of Litigation and Client Services, will be responsible for the administration and oversight of SRLP’s legal program. The Director of Legal Services will also participate in advocacy, training, and public education, while maintaining a small caseload. The Director of Legal Services will report to all members of DST, Staff, and Collective and collaborate across departments. The Director of Legal Services will honor the collective structure and work to disrupt and deconstruct the inherent power dynamics between attorneys and non-attorneys in legal nonprofits.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Litigation & Legal Advocacy
- Work with the Collective to develop a vision for SRLP’s legal work rooted in movement lawyering and centering the SRLP community.
- Lead and manage direct legal services program serving TGNCI clients in resolving civil legal matters.
- Work with the DST to develop intake systems and clinics and create and manage a robust advice and referral system.
- Develop and coordinate a robust pro bono network for support in direct services matters.
- Manage legal administration needs, including updating case management systems, intern and student work order compliance, and other duties.
- Work with FFT and Development to apply for grants and assist in grant management.
- Participate in external coalitions, task forces, and engage with agencies to advocate to change policies impacting our community members.
- Provide know-your-rights trainings to community members and legal trainings to other advocates, including the development of materials for distribution and posting on our website.
Public Education & Know Your Rights Training
- Lead Know Your Rights workshops and public education initiatives designed to inform TGNCI individuals about their legal rights and protections.
- Develop educational materials and legal resources tailored to TGNCI communities, with a focus on healthcare, safety, and housing rights
- Train service providers, advocates, and legal professionals on best practices for supporting TGNCI people around issues of safety, dignity, and healthcare access.
Supervision and Leadership
- Supervise law student interns, fellows, volunteers and consultants on the DST, ensuring high-quality case management and strategic advocacy.
- Collaborate with SRLP’s Movement Building Team to align litigation with the organization’s broader mission and goals to remove barriers to TGNCI liberation.
- Provide mentorship and training to other staff involved in SRLP’s litigation efforts.
- Manage relationships with legal organizations, law firms, and external partners to maximize impact and resources for litigation and advocacy efforts
Areas of Shared Responsibility and Staff Coordination
- Participate in the Collective Development Team’s work, including:
- Organizing board meetings and annual collective retreats.
- Improving and maintaining our infrastructure and capacity for work to continue in a sustainable and non-hierarchical way.
- Increase the participation, decision-making, and leadership of low-income trans people and trans people of color in organizational governance.
- Contribute to short- and long-term organizational planning and strategy.
- Participate in Collective-wide responsibilities including attending monthly meetings, annual retreats, co-supervision, and team meetings.
- Coordinate staff and collective training to increase skills and address growth areas.
- Coordinate development and communication of emergency and safety planning protocols.
- Coordinate office cleaning (shared responsibility among all staff).
Skills and Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor and admission or eligibility for admission to the New York State Bar.
- A minimum of 5 years of litigation experience, with a focus on civil litigation, prisoner’s rights, anti-discrimination law, or other direct services litigation
- A demonstrated commitment to gender self-determination, transformative justice, abolition, movement litigation, racial, economic, and disability justice
- Extensive experience working with low-income TGNCI communities of color
- Experience and commitment working with organizers and within movements
- Excellent legal research and writing skills
- Ability to create public education materials centered in SRLP’s values and mission
- Strong written and verbal communications skills and experience in working in collaborative environments
- Strong interest in implementing creative litigation strategies
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage complex cases and competing deadlines. Must be able to communicate boundaries effectively and clearly
- The ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with individuals from diverse backgrounds—including transgender and gender non-conforming people, people living with HIV/AIDS, people with mental illness, and people who have experienced significant trauma
- Strong supervision skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fluency in Spanish or another language;
- Bar admission in the Southern and/or Eastern District of New York;
- Experience litigating in federal courts;
- Experience in criminal defense;
- Experience with legal strategic planning;
- Experience working in non-hierarchical settings;
- Knowledge and practice in collective decision-making processes.
Hours and Compensation:
This position is a full-time, salaried position with medical, dental and optical benefits as well as three weeks paid vacation and professional development opportunities. SRLP works in a hybrid working environment. 40 hours/week, some evenings and weekends as necessary. $125,000/year. Consistent with our values as a collective, all staff receive salaries based on the same hourly rate.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references. Applications should be sent to the Hiring Committee at hiring@srlp.org.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls please. We will only contact applicants we intend to interview. SRLP is an equal opportunity employer. Transgender folks and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Director of Communications
SRLP is seeking a passionate and dedicated Director of Communications to lead the organization’s communications strategy, amplify the voices of TGNCI communities, and strengthen SRLP’s public presence. This role is pivotal in shaping SRLP’s messaging, advocacy, and organizing efforts. The Director of Communications will work closely with SRLP’s collective, staff, and member base to support the organization’s mission, raise public awareness, and mobilize supporters around key issues affecting TGNCI individuals. The Director of Communications is part of the SRLP Collective and will participate in Collective decision making processes, staff meetings, retreats, and will share administrative and organizational responsibilities with other Collective members.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop, execute, and track a comprehensive communication strategy aligned with SRLP’s mission, values, goals and organizational needs.
- Manage SRLP’s digital presence by creating and distributing op-eds, blog posts, newsletters, reports, direct mail, and public education materials to increase organizational reach and following.
- Coordinate media responses and serve as a spokesperson when appropriate.
- Manage SRLP’s social media platforms and digital outreach, ensuring consistent and inclusive messaging across all channels.
- Manage the website via WordPress.
- Manage the production of multimedia content (videos, infographics, etc.) to support advocacy and fundraising efforts.
- Work with SRLP’s Movement Building Team and Direct Service Team to craft compelling narratives that highlight the experiences of SRLP’s clients and community members, amplifying their voices through publications and campaigns.
- Collaborate with development and Collective on communications strategies that enhance fundraising efforts, including campaigns and donor engagement.
- Build the social media and public speaking skills of Collective and community members through skill-shares and trainings.
- Work collectively with staff and community members to ensure the health and sustainability of the organization.
Areas of Shared Responsibility and Staff Coordination:
- Participate in the Collective Development Team’s work, including:
- Organizing board meetings and annual collective retreats.
- Improving and maintaining our infrastructure and capacity for work to continue in a sustainable and non-hierarchical way.
- Increase the participation, decision-making, and leadership of low-income trans people and trans people of color in organizational governance.
- Contribute to short- and long-term organizational planning and strategy.
- Participate in Collective-wide responsibilities including attending monthly meetings, annual retreats, co-supervision, and team meetings.
- Coordinate staff and collective training to increase skills and address growth areas.
- Coordinate development and communication of emergency and safety planning protocols.
- Coordinate office cleaning (shared responsibility among all staff).
Skills and Qualifications:
- Deep commitment to SRLP’s mission and values, with a strong understanding of the challenges faced by TGNCI communities, especially those who are low-income, incarcerated, and people of color.
- At least 5 years of demonstrated success with managing a portfolio that spans communications, digital campaigns, and media relations, preferably in the nonprofit or social justice sectors.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with media contacts and community partners.
- Proven success in implementing digital strategies and campaigns that raised at least $25k.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and respond quickly to new opportunities.
- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues in clear, accessible language.
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, social media, graphic design, video editing, or other multimedia tools.
- Excellent project management and time management abilities, demonstrated ability juggling multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Quick thinker and ability to make decisions under pressure.
- Ability to work in a non-hierarchical collective.
- Familiarity with issues related to prison abolition, racial justice, and gender liberation is highly desirable.
- Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
Hours and Compensation:
This position is a full-time, salaried position with medical, dental and optical benefits as well as three weeks paid vacation and professional development opportunities. SRLP works in a hybrid working environment. 40 hours/week, some evenings and weekends as necessary. $125,000/year. Consistent with our values as a collective, all staff receive salaries based on the same hourly rate.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, three references and two writing samples that demonstrate alignment to SRLP’s values, your experience with storytelling in advocacy, and how you support the voices of marginalized communities. Applications should be sent to the Hiring Committee at hiring@srlp.org.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls please. We will only contact applicants we intend to interview.
SRLP is an equal opportunity employer. Transgender folks and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
SRLP is Seeking Interns
Intern with the Movement Building Team!
The Movement Building Team is a collaboration of SRLP members who identify as low income trans, intersex, gender non-conforming folks and trans, intersex, gender non-conforming people of color along with SRLP staff. The MBT was designed to build and grow the leadership skills while developing and coordinating community workshops, discussions, celebrations and events for low income trans, intersex, gender non-conforming folks and trans, intersex, gender non-conforming people of color. Interns at SRLP work on a range of issues affecting low-income transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming people of color.
Prisoner Advisory Committee (PAC)
Interns with MBT would primarily be supporting the work of the Prisoner Advisory Committee. Learning and engaging with SRLP’s prison work to help advance the work of PAC, working closely with the Director of Outreach and Community Engagement and other staff in assisting with tasks related to the Prisoner Advisory Committee (PAC), including but not limited to;
- Participating in outreach, coordination and logistics related to PAC card writing events and other MBT related events.
- Review and update publication materials.
- Co-facilitate, skill shares and participating in workshops around abolition and SRLP’s PIC work.
- Conducting research and building workshop materials around the impact that trans and gender non-conforming folks experience within the prison industrial complex.
- Supporting the development and production of our bi-annually newsletter “In Solidarity” that goes out to PAC members on the inside.
- Design and layout production and design of our annual calendar.
- Distribution of correspondence, mailing updates and member certificates to PAC members.
- Responding to PAC member correspondence submissions.
- Processing new PAC member forms, support with legal and non-legal volunteer mailing parties, envelope stuffing, other required tasks to support the program.
- Maintaining addresses and release dates for all PAC members and tracking them in excel and other databases.
- Processing new PAC member forms, supporting with legal and non-legal volunteer mailing parties, envelope stuffing, and other required tasks to support the program.
Internship skills needed
Applicants must have a commitment to working towards self-determination for gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence as SRLP is a collective organization founded on the understanding that gender self-determination is inextricably intertwined with racial, social and economic justice. People of color, trans people, gender non-conforming people and people with intersex conditions are strongly encouraged to apply. Must be willing to work individually and in a team setting. Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not at all a requirement. Microsoft Publisher, InDesign and other graphic design platforms preferred.
Work hours:
Internships are 15-20 hours/week during the summer and usually last twelve weeks. Internships are unpaid. Please indicate hours of availability and date available to start in the cover letter. The office is open from 10-6pm M-F. Dress code; Casual
How to Apply:
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to kimberly@srlp.org
