Application Guide

How to Apply for 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 focus on BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ communities. They advance community-driven strategies that harness trans knowledge, power, and joy to ensure everyone can survive and thrive. Working here means joining a passionate team that fights for transgender and gender-nonconforming people's rights through litigation, policy, and advocacy.

About This Role

As a Staff Attorney on the Litigation Team, you will investigate, develop, and litigate cases on behalf of trans and gender-nonconforming people, often setting precedent that advances civil rights. This role is remote-friendly or based in Oakland or Brooklyn, and reports to the Legal Director. You'll be on the front lines of legal battles that directly impact the community, making a tangible difference in people's lives.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching legal issues for an upcoming motion, drafting a complaint, meeting with community partners or clients, and strategizing with the litigation team on case development. You could also be preparing for a hearing or deposition, or analyzing new laws affecting trans rights. The work is dynamic and mission-driven, with a focus on advancing justice for transgender and gender-nonconforming people.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Transgender Law Center Is Looking For

  • Experienced litigator with a strong track record in civil rights, particularly transgender rights, and a commitment to social justice.
  • Skilled in all phases of litigation, including case investigation, discovery, motions practice, trial, and appeals.
  • Deep understanding of the legal issues affecting trans and gender-nonconforming communities, including discrimination, healthcare access, and identity documents.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a remote team and with community partners, and a demonstrated commitment to TLC's values of equity and inclusion.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Transgender Law Center

1

Highlight your litigation experience, especially any cases involving transgender rights or other civil rights issues, with concrete examples of your role and outcomes.

2

Demonstrate your commitment to TLC's mission by mentioning specific cases or initiatives of theirs that resonate with you and how your background aligns.

3

Address your ability to work remotely and collaboratively, as TLC has a distributed team and values self-motivated individuals.

4

Avoid calling or emailing to check on your application status, as TLC explicitly requests no follow-up due to high volume.

5

Tailor your cover letter to show how you prioritize BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ communities in your legal work, as this is central to TLC's approach.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience litigating cases on behalf of transgender or gender-nonconforming clients, including any precedent-setting outcomes.', "How you incorporate intersectionality and community-driven strategies in your legal practice, aligning with TLC's prioritization of BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ communities.", 'Your ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment, and your familiarity with the legal landscape affecting trans people across the US.', "Why you are drawn to TLC's trans-led, values-driven approach and how you would contribute to their litigation team."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review TLC's website, especially their litigation docket, to understand their legal strategies and recent victories.
  • → Read about TLC's values and community-driven approach, including their focus on BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ communities.
  • → Research the legal landscape for transgender rights, including key cases and legislation in different states, to speak knowledgeably in interviews.
  • → Look up the backgrounds of the Legal Director and other attorneys on the team to understand their expertise and potential synergies.
Visit The Transgender Law Center's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your approach to litigating transgender rights cases, including strategy, community engagement, and potential challenges.
2 How you handle intersectionality in legal advocacy, particularly for BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ trans individuals.
3 Your experience with all stages of litigation and how you manage cases from investigation to appeal.
4 How you prioritize self-care and resilience in emotionally demanding civil rights work.
5 Your familiarity with TLC's past cases and how you would build on their legacy.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention TLC's mission or your specific interest in transgender rights litigation.
  • Failing to demonstrate cultural competence or a commitment to working with marginalized communities, which is central to TLC's work.
  • Contacting TLC to follow up on your application, as they explicitly ask not to, which could show disregard for their processes.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Transgender Law Center!

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