Job Posting: Staff Attorney-May 2008

Asian American Institute
Staff Attorney - Affirmative Action

Position Title: Staff Attorney

Salary: $38,000 - $42,000; Full health and dental benefits at 50%.

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Location: Chicago, Illinois

Start Date: Immediately

Status: Full time; Exempt - does not qualify for overtime

Summary: The Staff Attorney works closely with the Executive Director,
AAI
staff, and affiliate staff attorneys to facilitate and implement the
Asian
American Contractor Empowerment Project (AACEP) and Legal Assistance
Program
(LAP). In partnership with the Asian American Justice Center (formerly
National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium), AACEP will focus on
research and building capacity within the Asian American community on
both
the national and Chicago regional level to defend and advance the
participation of Asian Americans in minority contracting programs in the
public and private sectors. LAP projects include language access,
voting
rights, and hate crimes.

Background: The Asian American Institute was established in 1992 as a
pan-Asian, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The mission is to
empower
the Asian Pacific American community through advocacy, by utilizing
research, education and coalition building. Current programs include
Voting
Rights, APA Empowerment Initiative, APA Resource Guide and advocacy
against
hate crimes. Affiliated with the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC),
the
Institute coordinates it work with AAJC and co-affiliates Asian Pacific
American Legal Center of Southern California and Asian Law Caucus in San
Francisco.

Job duties and responsibilities:
. Provide public policy research and analysis;
. Provide community education briefings;
. Provide coordination and facilitation of community trainings
based
on materials developed;
. Work with mainstream and ethnic media;
. Monitor legislation and prepare legislative testimony;
. Represent AAI in coalition activities;
. Respond to press inquires and make public speaking appearances;
. Coordinate program planning and implementation with AAJC and
affiliates;
. Coordinate litigation strategies with AAJC and affiliates as
necessary;
. Travel as necessary; and
. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory responsibilities: Interns and Law Clerks

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Must have the ability to plan,
organize,
and direct a comprehensive program. Knowledge or skill in affirmative
action, race relations, legislative process, or civil rights,
particularly
as they pertain to Asian Americans preferred. Quantitative data
knowledge
and analytical skills is a plus. Demonstrated strong writing and
speaking
skills required.

Education: J. D. degree from accredited law school and member in good
standing with a state bar association. Recent graduates must be
registered
for the Illinois State Bar examination or be willing to take or be
admitted
to the Illinois State Bar.

Experience: 0-2 years legal experience. This position is an entry level
attorney position. Past work experience working in the Asian American
community or with public policy matters preferred. Demonstrated interest
in
civil rights and/or race relations and public policy a must.

To Apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter explaining
your
interest, resume, and short writing sample to:

Ms. Tuyet Le
Executive Director
Asian American Institute
4753 North Broadway, Suite 904
Chicago, IL 60640

Email applications at AAI@AAIChicago. org Subject: Staff Attorney
Application

*** Phone inquiries not accepted
*** Only candidates receiving interviews will be contacted
*** Academic transcripts will be required prior to interviews

*** For more information about AAI, please go to www.aaichicago. org

AAI is an equal opportunity employer