Counsel, Democracy

Brennan Center for Justice•New York, NY

7d•$84,000 - $127,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Brennan Center’s Democracy Program is seeking an attorney to join an interdisciplinary team working to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law. The role focuses on abuses and weaponization of governmental authority, the rule of law, and the Department of Justice. The Counsel will help advance strategies to strengthen the rule of law at the Department of Justice, working with the Patricia Bauman Senior Fellow, and may sometimes work under the direction of other leaders. The position uses research, writing, litigation, policy development and advocacy, convening, communications, and public education to address challenges to democratic institutions and constraints on government power. This is a term-limited position anticipated to last two to three years. It is based at the Brennan Center’s headquarters in New York City or its Washington, D.C. office and requires occasional travel.

Requirements

J.D.
Admission to the bar of the office where the employee is based. Applicants admitted to a bar for a state other than the state where their office is located must be eligible to practice or apply for admission to that state’s bar within six months of hire.
Open to recent law school graduates, judicial law clerks, and others with 1–5 years of post-law-school experience.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Strong legal research and analysis skills.
Ability and desire to write for legal, policy, and public audiences.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, including the ability to work with diverse constituencies inside and outside the organization.
Commitment to racial equity.

Nice To Haves

Comfort working with social science research and experts.
Experience working in government, particularly in the Department of Justice, in nonprofit or legal organizations, or on rule of law and democracy issues.

Responsibilities

Help plan and coordinate high-profile convenings and conferences related to strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Produce legal, academic, or empirical research and writing to shape policy proposals, advocacy strategies, and litigation, and identify areas where empirical or other research is needed.
Develop policy proposals addressing emerging issues and engage in policy advocacy, sometimes in partnership with NGOs, scholars, social scientists, and current or former government leaders.
Produce written work, including articles, opinion pieces, speeches, reports, legislative testimony, and organizational materials, with opportunities for named authorship.
Develop legal strategies to address emerging issues.
Help develop and execute amicus campaigns, including engaging experts and scholars and coordinating with other organizations and pro bono partners.
Participate in litigation, including research, motion and brief writing, and strategy development with team members, allied organizations, and/or pro bono law firm counsel.
Take on special projects and other duties as assigned.