Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Staff Attorney, Litigation Team
at The Transgender Law Center
🏢 About The Transgender Law Center
Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national, trans-led organization dedicated to setting all people free, with a specific focus on transgender and gender-nonconforming communities. Unlike many legal nonprofits, TLC prioritizes BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ communities and uses community-driven strategies that center trans knowledge, power, and joy. Working here means joining a values-driven team that actively works to reduce pay disparities and is committed to equity and inclusion.
About This Role
As a Senior Staff Attorney on TLC's Litigation Team, you will investigate, develop, and litigate cases on behalf of transgender and gender-nonconforming people, often setting legal precedent that advances civil rights. This role is remote-friendly or based in Oakland or Brooklyn, and you'll report to the Legal Director or their designee. You'll be on the front lines of impact litigation, combining legal expertise with community-centered advocacy to create lasting change.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching legal issues for an upcoming brief, meeting with community members or co-counsel to discuss case strategy, drafting pleadings, and collaborating with TLC's policy or organizing teams to ensure litigation aligns with community needs. You might also participate in internal team meetings, mentor junior attorneys, and engage in strategic planning for future cases.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Transgender Law Center Is Looking For
- Experienced litigator with a strong track record in civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, or transgender rights cases, including trial and appellate experience.
- Deep commitment to and understanding of transgender justice, racial equity, and intersectional advocacy, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ communities.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to develop creative legal theories and manage complex cases from investigation through appeal.
- Collaborative and community-oriented, able to work independently in a remote environment while contributing to a team and centering the voices of those most impacted.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Transgender Law Center
Highlight specific litigation experience that involves transgender rights, gender justice, or other civil rights issues—TLC wants to see your direct impact in this space.
Demonstrate your commitment to TLC's mission and values by referencing their community-driven, trans-led approach and how your work aligns with prioritizing BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ communities.
Since the salary is non-negotiable and set at $118,400, focus your application on your qualifications and alignment with the role rather than salary expectations.
Avoid calling or emailing to check on your application status, as TLC explicitly requests no follow-up; instead, ensure your materials are compelling and complete.
Use your cover letter to tell a story about why you are drawn to TLC specifically, not just any legal nonprofit, and how you will contribute to their litigation strategy.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your personal and professional connection to transgender justice and why TLC's mission resonates with you.", 'Specific examples of impact litigation you have led or contributed to, especially cases that advanced transgender or gender-nonconforming rights.', 'How you incorporate intersectionality and community input into your legal work, particularly with BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ communities.', 'Your ability to thrive in a remote, collaborative environment and manage complex cases independently.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read TLC's recent litigation dockets and press releases to understand their current legal strategies and priorities.
- → Learn about TLC's community-driven approach and their focus on BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ communities by reviewing their website and annual reports.
- → Research the Legal Director and other litigation team members to understand their backgrounds and areas of expertise.
- → Familiarize yourself with key transgender legal issues and recent case law that TLC might be involved in, such as healthcare access, employment discrimination, and identity document policies.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that could apply to any legal nonprofit, rather than tailoring it to TLC's specific mission and litigation focus.
- Failing to demonstrate cultural competence or a commitment to intersectional advocacy, which is central to TLC's work.
- Contacting TLC to check on your application status, as they explicitly request no follow-up due to high volume.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Transgender Law Center!