Application Guide
How to Apply for Sr. RLDF Counsel
at If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
🏢 About If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
If/When/How is unique as a legal services organization specifically focused on reproductive justice through direct client representation, advocacy, and movement-building. They work at the intersection of law and social justice, representing people in crisis while reshaping legal systems. Someone might want to work here to be part of a network of lawyers actively defending reproductive rights through both individual cases and systemic change.
About This Role
As Sr. RLDF Counsel, you'll provide trauma-informed legal services to clients in crisis, supervise staff on cases, and research bail/bond laws nationally to support clients. This role is impactful because you'll directly assist individuals facing criminalization while developing resources and trainings that strengthen the organization's capacity to advance reproductive justice.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve conducting client intakes for people facing criminalization related to pregnancy outcomes, supervising junior staff on active cases, researching bail laws in a specific state to support a client's release, and preparing training materials on reproductive justice legal issues. You'd balance immediate client needs with longer-term resource development and staff supervision.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice Is Looking For
- Has 3-5 years of direct experience representing indigent clients in criminal, family, or immigration defense cases, with demonstrated trauma-informed practice
- Demonstrates a clear commitment to reproductive justice, racial justice, and anti-racist principles in their professional background
- Is comfortable with public speaking and has experience developing and delivering trainings on legal topics
- Can manage multiple responsibilities including client intake, supervision, on-call rotation, and legal research simultaneously
📝 Tips for Applying to If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
Highlight specific experience with indigent client representation in criminal, family, or immigration law - quantify cases or outcomes if possible
Demonstrate your understanding of reproductive justice beyond abortion rights - mention how criminalization intersects with reproductive autonomy
Include examples of trauma-informed legal practice in your resume and cover letter
Show familiarity with If/When/How's specific programs like RLDF (Reproductive Legal Defense Fund) and their recent cases or advocacy work
Emphasize any experience with bail/bond work or criminal system navigation, even if not reproductive justice-specific
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience with indigent client representation and how it aligns with reproductive justice principles', 'Specific examples of trauma-informed legal practice and client advocacy', 'Your approach to supervision and case management in high-stakes legal situations', "Why you're drawn specifically to If/When/How's model of combining direct services with systemic advocacy"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → RLDF's specific cases and clients - review their website and recent publications about their defense work
- → If/When/How's advocacy positions on current reproductive justice legislation and criminalization issues
- → The organization's network-building work with other reproductive justice lawyers and organizations
- → Recent bail/bond reform efforts in various states that might impact RLDF's work
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using generic social justice language without connecting it specifically to reproductive justice principles and criminalization
- Focusing only on abortion rights without addressing the broader reproductive justice framework that includes parenting, contraception, and freedom from coercion
- Presenting as primarily interested in impact litigation without demonstrating commitment to direct client services and trauma-informed practice
📅 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 If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice!