Location: Remote, strong preference for applicants based in New York CityStatus: Full-time, exemptReports to: Executive DirectorAbout The Surveillance Technology Oversight ProjectThe Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.) is a mission-driven organization working to dismantle local governments’ systems of mass surveillance. Through a unique virtual law firm model, we partner with New York’s largest law firms to provide impact litigation for communities targeted by surveillance abuse and pursue and litigate public records requests. We drive systemic change by advocating for progressive legislation like the POST Act and by crafting policies that protect civil rights in the digital age. S.T.O.P. empowers impacted communities through privacy trainings and public education, while using media advocacy to hold institutions accountable and amplify the voices of those we serve.Role SummaryS.T.O.P. seeks a Legal Director to lead and grow our legal strategy to dismantle harmful surveillance systems and demand transparency and accountability for government use of novel technologies. The Legal Director will develop and execute litigation and public records requests; supervise legal staff; manage relationships with outside counsel; and collaborate across the organization to ensure our legal work advances S.T.O.P.’s mission, complements our policy and research agendas, and amplifies our advocacy efforts. This role is ideal for an experienced civil rights litigator who thinks strategically, thrives while managing multiple competing priorities, and translates complex legal ideas into clear, compelling narratives for courts, partners, policymakers, and the public.Role ResponsibilitiesLegal Strategy and Litigation Leadership: Develop and execute S.T.O.P.’s litigation strategy aligned with organizational priorities with a focus on surveillance technology and government transparency; lead impact litigation in state and federal courts; identify and assess potential cases (rapid-response and longer-term strategic litigation); manage case planning (budgets, risk assessments, timelines) and ensure excellence in written and oral advocacy; cultivate and manage relationships with pro bono counsel, co-counsel, and allied legal organizations.Organizational Leadership and Support: Contribute to organizational strategy as a member of the senior leadership team. Management and Team Development: Supervise and mentor legal fellows and interns; set clear goals, provide feedback, and support professional development; build internal legal systems (templates, training materials, case intake protocols, discovery workflows, document security practices); support hiring and onboarding for legal team roles; foster a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable team culture.Public Records and Transparency: Oversee S.T.O.P.’s public records request practice (drafting/editing requests, managing appeals, litigating denials and delays) and build scalable processes for high-volume records work; work with research and communications teams to turn documents into impactful publications and campaigns.Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration: Partner with advocacy, research, and communications teams to ensure litigation, legislation, and research support S.T.O.P.’s organizational goals; translate legal developments into accessible messaging for partners, press, and the public while maintaining legal and ethical boundaries.Policy Development: Alongside the Executive Director and Advocacy & Community Engagement Manager, guide S.T.O.P.’s policy positions and priorities; serve as S.T.O.P.’s lead lawyer in drafting legislation and proposed amendments; supervise legal team’s work in submitting regulatory comments.External Engagement: Serve as a public-facing legal spokesperson as needed (with the Executive Director and Communications Director); support trainings and contribute to toolkits/resources; represent S.T.O.P. in coalitions and working groups and strengthen relationships with community partners and directly impacted communities.QualificationsJD and New York State bar admission; 5+ years of relevant legal experience with substantial litigation responsibility (civil rights, constitutional, impact, and/or complex litigation); demonstrated expertise in motion practice, discovery, litigation strategy, and strong legal writing; experience supervising or mentoring junior attorneys and staff and managing teams/workflows; discretion and commitment to client- and community-centered, ethically rigorous lawyering; ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to non-lawyer audiences (legislators, clients, public); strong alignment with S.T.O.P.’s mission and commitment to racial, economic, gender, immigration, and disability justice; experience working in coalition with allied organizations and directly impacted communities and individuals; experience litigating issues related to surveillance technologies and public records requests preferred.Compensation and BenefitsS.T.O.P. offers a lockstep pay scale system. A first-year legal director will earn an annual salary of $98,148 in 2026, with annual COLA adjustments and seniority raises at the anniversary of employment. S.T.O.P. provides employer-funded medical, dental, and vision insurance with no employee premium contribution and generous paid time off, as outlined in the community handbook.How to ApplySubmit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample of independent legal work (10 pages maximum; excerpted is fine) to Jobs@stopspying.org. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis with an anticipated start date in late January or early February 2026. Full job description here: https://www.stopspying.org/s/STOP-Legal-Director-JD-bb2e.pdf