Counsel or Senior Counsel, Education & Workplace Justice

National Women's Law Center•Washington, DC

1d•$96,411 - $151,522•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Women’s Law Center seeks a Counsel or Senior Counsel to join its Education & Workplace Justice team. The role focuses on protecting LGBTQI+ individuals’ rights at work and at school through legal and advocacy strategies and public education. Potential areas of work include advancing state and federal protections against discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity; defending against anti-trans policies; promoting trans inclusion in education, employment, and public life; and limiting the use of religion as a license to discriminate against LGBTQ people, women, and girls. The position may also take on other projects aligned with organizational priorities. This is a full-time, exempt position of 37.5 hours per week. The position is based in Washington, D.C., with some telework permitted and regular in-person work expected. The employee must live in or relocate to the D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area and should expect to travel approximately 5–10% of the time. The first 90 days are a probationary period. The position is included in NWLC’s bargaining unit, and specific employment terms are subject to collective bargaining. The successful candidate will engage in legislative and administrative advocacy, provide technical assistance to partners, participate in coalitions, conduct legal and policy research, develop written materials, identify and participate in litigation, draft amicus briefs, monitor court trends, represent the Center in public settings, and help shape team strategies. The role may include supervising interns or externs and requires collaboration across NWLC teams and with external partners. Counsel candidates are expected to produce accurate, responsive work, manage assigned matters with appropriate supervision, develop legal expertise, and build effective working relationships. Senior Counsel candidates are expected to produce polished work, strategically advance workstreams, demonstrate issue-area expertise, and manage relationships with external stakeholders.

Requirements

Law degree.
Membership in the D.C. Bar, or membership in a state bar with the ability to waive into the D.C. Bar.
Experience working on workplace policy, educational justice, LGBTQI+ issues, or antidiscrimination law.
Strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
Attention to detail and excellent time-management and organizational skills.
Ability to collaborate with colleagues, coalition partners, and outside law firm partners.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.
Demonstrated commitment to and experience working on gender and racial equity, while centering diverse LGBTQI+ communities.
Willingness to travel approximately 5–10% of the time.
Commitment to the mission of the Center.
Candidates with under 4.5 years of experience are considered at Counsel level; candidates with at least 4.5 years of experience are considered at Senior Counsel level.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of relevant work experience is strongly preferred.
Experience or familiarity with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Experience providing direct legal representation or otherwise working in a litigation-focused counsel position.
Experience working in organizational coalitions.

Responsibilities

Engage in advocacy before Congress, state legislatures, and relevant administrative agencies.
Provide technical assistance to state and federal partners.
Represent NWLC in coalitions and external meetings to identify and advance policy goals.
Research and analyze policy and legal issues and draft materials for varied audiences, including memos, fact sheets, reports, know-your-rights and outreach materials, and blog posts.
Identify litigation opportunities related to education and workplace justice priorities and engage in litigation activities.
Develop, draft, and edit amicus briefs in collaboration with NWLC teams, pro bono counsel, and organizational partners.
Help shape program strategies and priorities with the Education & Workplace Justice team.
Monitor relevant legal trends in the Supreme Court and lower courts.
Represent the Center in the press and in public speaking opportunities.
Supervise interns and externs.
Coordinate with the Education & Workplace Justice, Campaigns and Communications, and Research teams to advance the Center’s work.
Perform other related duties as assigned.