How to apply for Head of Litigation

About Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology

Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology (LASST) is a pioneering nonprofit using legal advocacy to mitigate risks from emerging technologies like AI and biotech. Working here means being at the intersection of law, science, and public interest, with a mission to protect people and the planet from potential harms.

About the role

As Head of Litigation, you will lead LASST's litigation strategy, managing a team of lawyers and driving impact litigation and amicus briefs on critical AI and biotech risks. This role is pivotal in shaping legal precedents and holding powerful actors accountable, making a tangible impact on the safe development of transformative technologies.

A typical day

Your day might start with a video call with your legal team to review ongoing cases and discuss strategy, followed by researching scientific developments with a staff scientist. You could then meet with potential clients or partners, draft an amicus brief, or prepare for an oral argument. Afternoons might involve media interviews or policy roundtables, with time set aside for mentoring junior lawyers and staying updated on emerging tech risks.

Who Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology is looking for

• A seasoned litigator with deep experience in complex civil litigation, ideally including class actions, torts, or public interest cases, with a track record of leading significant cases from inception to resolution.
• Strategic thinker able to identify emerging risks in AI and biotech and translate them into innovative legal theories, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate with scientific or technical experts.
• Strong leader and mentor with experience managing a team of lawyers, plus excellent relationship-building skills to engage with clients, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communicator, comfortable representing the organization in court, policy discussions, and media, with an ability to explain complex issues clearly.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight any cases or projects involving technology, science, or risk-related litigation, even if not directly in AI or biotech.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your litigation experience to the mission of LASST, showing passion for the intersection of law and emerging tech safety.
• Demonstrate your ability to work with scientists by mentioning any collaborations, technical training, or successful translation of complex scientific concepts into legal arguments.
• If you have experience with amicus briefs or impact litigation, be sure to detail your role and outcomes.
• Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience managing distributed teams and your ability to work autonomously and communicate effectively across time zones.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your commitment to using law as a force for good, particularly in mitigating risks of AI and biotech.', 'Specific examples of your strategic litigation leadership, including any cases where you developed novel legal theories or worked with scientific experts.', "Your experience in building relationships with clients and partner organizations, and how you've amplified underrepresented voices.", "Your vision for how you would develop LASST's litigation department and contribute to its long-term goals."]

Research before applying

• Review LASST's website and any public statements to understand their current priorities and ongoing cases.
• Research recent legal developments and high-profile cases related to AI and biotech risks, such as lawsuits against social media platforms or gene-editing companies.
• Look into the backgrounds of LASST's leadership and any published articles or talks they've given to align your approach.
• Familiarize yourself with the work of similar organizations, like the Center for AI Safety or the Future of Life Institute, to understand the legal landscape.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you identify and prioritize high-impact litigation opportunities in the AI and biotech space?
• Describe a time you collaborated with technical experts to build a legal case. How did you ensure effective communication?
• How would you handle a case with significant scientific uncertainty? Give an example from your past.
• How would you manage a team of lawyers in a remote environment, ensuring high performance and morale?
• What is your experience with amicus briefs or impact litigation, and how would you leverage that at LASST?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention AI, biotech, or LASST's specific mission.
• Avoid focusing solely on your technical legal skills without demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject matter.
• Don't underestimate the importance of remote work experience; be ready to discuss how you stay productive and connected in a distributed team.