LEGAL AID OF ARKANSAS

Location: Any Legal Aid of Arkansas office | Status: Full-time, exempt | Deadline: Open until filled

About Legal Aid of Arkansas

Legal Aid of Arkansas is a nonprofit public interest law firm that provides free civil legal help to low-income Arkansans.

About the Position

Government agencies and private companies increasingly use artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems to decide who gets public benefits, health care, housing, jobs, and K-12 education services. When these systems get it wrong, low-income people bear the harm, often without knowing why or how to fight back.

Legal Aid of Arkansas seeks a Staff Attorney to lead our new AI Injustice Project, carried out in partnership with Tech Tonic Justice (TTJ), a national partner working on AI and low-income communities. The attorney will spend at least 80% of their time on the Project, combining legal representation, investigation, community education, and narrative advocacy to advocate for low-income Arkansans, and will help shape TTJ’s state and national advocacy with insights from Arkansas. The rest of the attorney’s time will go to general Staff Attorney casework.

What You Will Do

• Represent individuals and groups harmed by the use of AI, in court and at administrative hearings, in public benefits, health care, housing, employment, and education matters.

• Investigate how government entities and private actors use AI in ways that threaten low-income Arkansans, using Freedom of Information Act requests, administrative hearings, litigation, and conversations with community members.

• Accept and assess referrals from TTJ and community partners.

• Lead community outreach and education on AI injustice, working from TTJ’s curriculum.

• Write plain-language materials such as policy explainers, guides, and toolkits.

• Work with TTJ on communications, including messaging, talking points, and social media, and help clients who want to share their stories do so.

• Build relationships with community groups, advocates, policymakers, and journalists to strengthen Arkansas’s response to AI injustice.

• Take part in training and leadership development offered by TTJ, and help seek funding to sustain the Project.

Qualifications

Required:

• Admission to the Arkansas bar or eligibility for admission on motion

• Strong legal research, writing, and oral communication skills

• Ability to explain complex legal and technical issues in plain language

• Ability to work well with low-income people and to build relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel across Arkansas

Preferred:

• Experience or interest in public benefits, health care, housing, employment, or education law

• Interest in how technology affects people’s rights. No technical background is required; we will provide training.

• Hearing or courtroom experience preferred but not required

• Bilingual ability preferred but not required

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $74,592 plus, depending on experience. Language and rural location enhancements available.

Benefits include medical, dental, and life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave; law school loan repayment assistance; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match; and a relocation stipend.

This position is grant-funded. Funding is currently committed through October, 2027, and continuation after that date may depend on renewed or additional funding.

How to Apply Send a resume to Lee Richardson, Executive Director, at lrichardson@arlegalaid.org, with “Staff Attorney – AI Injustice Project” in the subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position is open until filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applicants who need an accommodation during the application or interview process may contact Elizabeth King, eking@arlegalaid.org.

Legal Aid of Arkansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.