Counsel/Senior Counsel

American Oversight•Washington, DC

3d•$118,000 - $170,000•Remote

About The Position

American Oversight seeks a Counsel or Senior Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation advancing government accountability and transparency. This role focuses on high-impact, records-based and other transparency-driven litigation and legal strategies to expose corruption, challenge abuses of power, and hold those who threaten democratic institutions to account. Level will be determined based on experience, with expectations scaling in independence, leadership, and strategic ownership.

Requirements

J.D. and admission to practice in at least one state (D.C. eligibility required).
4+ years of litigation experience (civil or criminal), including drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs.
Excellent legal analytical, research, and writing skills.
Demonstrated interest in government accountability and public interest advocacy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, operate with increasing independence, and exercise sound judgment.
Experience working in and/or desire to contribute to workplaces with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
10+ years experience, including significant experience leading civil litigation in federal and/or state courts, with primary responsibility for discovery, motions practice, dispositive briefing, and court appearances. Demonstrated knowledge of FOIA and state open records law, state open meetings laws and/or other transparency laws preferred.
Internal candidates may be considered with fewer years of experience.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage a litigation docket and lead complex cases.
Strong track record in litigation strategy, persuasive writing, oral advocacy, and decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Experience mentoring and/or supervising junior attorneys, student interns, or postgraduate fellows.
Familiarity with pro-democracy issues, including but not limited to voting rights, election administration, civil rights and civil liberties, or threats like abuse of power, corruption, or undue influence.
Experience with the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), state open records laws, or government ethics laws.

Responsibilities

Litigate high-impact transparency and government accountability cases in federal and state courts, including matters under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), state open records acts, state and federal open meetings laws, open courts doctrines, and other relevant authorities.
Serve as lead or supporting counsel across a diverse docket of federal and state cases, shaping litigation strategy and managing day-to-day case execution.
Draft pleadings at the trial and appellate levels, including complaints, motions, briefs, and amicus filings.
Conduct discovery where permitted, including written discovery, depositions, and evidentiary hearings.
Present oral arguments in federal and state courts, including appellate courts.
Develop and advance a strategic litigation docket, including identifying and pursuing new cases and innovative advocacy approaches.
Oversee and partner with local counsel nationwide on state-based litigation.
Develop and maintain expertise in FOIA and state open records laws.
Partner with American Oversight’s investigations team to design records-driven strategies and shape public records requests to maximize strong legal leverage and evidentiary value.
Negotiate with federal, state, and local agencies to advance pending records requests and drive timely compliance through follow-up and escalation.
Draft non-judicial advocacy materials including demand letters, administrative complaints, and other tools for demanding accountability.
Collaborate with American Oversight’s communications and investigations teams to translate legal findings into clear, compelling public-facing materials, including reports, blog posts, and other advocacy content.
Represent American Oversight in meetings with partners, coalitions, and external stakeholders, consistent with 501(c)(3) requirements.
As assigned, on a rotating basis, manage AO’s legal intern program, including hiring, supervision, and enrichment opportunities.
Other duties as assigned.