Senior Counsel

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education. Planned Parenthood values the experience of employees, and our cultural ethos is “In This Together” which aims to support a workplace culture that centers on belonging, learning, and individual recognition.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Planned Parenthood Action Fund seek a Senior Staff Attorney or Senior Counsel, with title to be based on years of legal experience . This job will report to the Vice President in the Public Policy Litigation and Law department. The Public Policy Litigation & Law Department (PPL&L) represents PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates in matters that affect the Planned Parenthood mission. PPL&L provides legal advice to, and when appropriate conducts litigation in, state and federal courts across the country on behalf of PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates in order to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care. 

This role operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring at least 2 days per week in-office (NYC or DC). 

Purpose:

The position’s primary responsibilities will revolve around conducting and supervising significant and high visibility litigation on behalf of PPFA or Planned Parenthood affiliates and providing legal advice to PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates about legal issues such as pending legislation, regulatory matters, and activities of those opposed to Planned Parenthood that interfere with our ability to provide comprehensive reproductive health care. 

Engagement: 

The attorney in this position will work closely with the members of the PPL&L team, as well as with affiliate leadership and staff; other PPFA colleagues; coalition partners; and outside counsel. 

Delivery:

• The attorney in this position will conduct and supervise litigation in state and federal courts across the country, as well as acting as a resource and advisor for colleagues in developing their cases, making strategic decisions, and preparing for oral argument, evidentiary hearings, depositions, etc.

• Current key areas of activity include litigation, risk advising, and responding to federal and state attacks relating to abortion access, gender affirming care, and participation in public funding programs such as Medicaid and Title X. 

• The Senior Staff Attorney or Senior Counsel may also be engaged in work related to pending legislation and regulatory matters; advising clients in navigating a rapidly shifting post-Roe environment, including by working closely with operational and clinical personnel both at PPFA and at affiliates; and coordinating with internal and external partners on litigation and related strategies, among other responsibilities. 

• The attorney in this position will also support the career development of more junior attorneys, interns, and paralegals and contribute to PPL&L’s ongoing work to center the communities most affected by laws restricting access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Required Qualifications: 

• Law degree

• At least 12 years of legal practice. Note: This individual will have the title of Senior Staff Attorney if they have 12-14 years of experience; and Senior Counsel if they have more than 15 years of experience. 

• Substantial litigation experience is required. Impact litigation experience is not required but is strongly preferred.

• A deep commitment to Planned Parenthood’s mission of promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health

Many different litigation career paths can develop skills that are valuable for this role; candidates are not expected to have experience in all aspects of the position. Experience in reproductive rights is not a requirement. Relevant skills and experience include: 

• Substantial litigation experience at all stages of civil litigation, including trial court and appellate drafting and argument; working with fact and expert witnesses including in preparation for deposition and trial testimony; and managing or supervising discovery, including written discovery document production and depositions

• Experience supervising litigation, working with outside litigation counsel, and/or heading litigation teams

• Experience litigating Administrative Procedure Act claims

• Litigating or advising on issues arising under the Medicaid Act or other federal funding programs 

• Experience working on trans rights issues and/or litigating cases to protect trans rights

• Experience working in a coalition and/or with co-counsel for multiple organizational clients

• Criminal defense and/or prosecutorial experience

• Advising clients on compliance and risk mitigation issues

• Reproductive justice work

• Communications work in connection with litigation

• Work on amicus briefs or strategy

• Mentoring or supervising more junior attorneys or other colleagues

Travel: 0-10% domestic travel

Total offer package to include generous vacation + sick leave + paid holidays, individual/family provided medical, dental and vision benefits effective day 1, life insurance, short/long term disability, paid family leave and 401k. We also offer voluntary opt-in for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Transportation/Commuter accounts.   

We value a truly diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We're committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

PPFA participates in the E-Verify program and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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PDN-HR

Roles that are denoted as NYC, DC, or both will work a hybrid schedule and are expected to work in their assigned PPFA office a minimum 2 days per week unless the role is denoted as onsite, which requires working onsite full time or 5 days per week.