Location: Remote; candidate must be located in or willing to relocate to the New York City area Status: Full-time, exempt Reports to: Executive Director About The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project The 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 in alignment with organizational priorities with a focus on surveillance technology and government transparencyLead impact litigation in state and federal courtsIdentify and assess potential cases, including rapid-response opportunities and longer-term strategic litigation Manage case planning, including budgets, risk assessments, and litigation timelines; ensure excellence in written and oral advocacyCultivate 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 DevelopmentSupervise and mentor legal fellows and interns; set clear goals, provide feedback, and support professional development Build internal legal systems, including templates, training materials, case intake protocols, discovery workflows, and document security practicesSupport hiring and onboarding for legal team roles; foster a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable team culture Public Records and TransparencyOversee S.T.O.P.’s public records request practice, including drafting and editing requests, managing appeals, litigating denials and delays, and building scalable processes for highvolume records workWork 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 goalsTranslate 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 prioritiesServe as S.T.O.P.’s lead lawyer in drafting legislation and proposed amendmentsSupervise legal team’s work in submitting regulatory comments External Engagement Serve as a public-facing legal spokesperson as needed, in coordination with the Executive Director and Communications DirectorSupport trainings for advocates and community members; contribute to toolkits and resources that help communities resist surveillance harmsRepresent S.T.O.P. in coalitions and working groups; strengthen relationships with community partners and directly impacted communities Qualifications JD and New York State bar admission; SDNY/EDNY admission preferred5+ years of relevant legal experience, including substantial litigation responsibility (civil rights, constitutional, impact, and/or complex litigation) Demonstrated expertise in motion practice, discovery, and litigation strategy; strong legal writing skillsExperience supervising or mentoring junior attorneys and staff; ability to manage teams and workflowsDiscretion and commitment to client- and community-centered, ethically rigorous lawyeringAbility to communicate complex legal issues clearly to non-lawyer audiences, including legislators, clients, and the publicStrong alignment with S.T.O.P.’s mission and commitment to racial, economic, gender, immigration, and disability justiceExperience working in coalition with allied organizations and directly impacted communities and individuals Experience litigating issues related to surveillance technologies and public records requests preferred