Litigation Counsel (Contract), Election and Voting Rights

Democracy Defenders Action

5h•$135 - $205•Remote

About The Position

Democracy Defenders Action is seeking an experienced litigator to add expertise and capacity to support our active, pro-democracy docket and also to independently run their own portfolio of cases. This is a contract position that begins asap and runs through the end of February 2027, with the option to extend. Attorneys will be paid hourly and expected to work 20-40 hours per week, including nights and weekends.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Bar membership in good standing, with the ability to waive into the D.C. bar upon hiring.
8+ years of litigation experience
Strong research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
Capacity to deliver high quality and timely work products in a high stakes and fast paced environment.
Unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy.
Commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and an ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.
Weeknight and weekend work required.
Available to work 20+ hours per week.
Available to travel as needed for court appearances and discovery (Travel is unlikely, but possible. DDA will cover travel-related expenses).

Nice To Haves

Election law and voting rights experience preferred.
Experience as a prosecutor, public defender, or litigator for a nonprofit organization or government agency preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage a small portfolio of active cases and ensure deadlines, filings, and legal deliverables are met with precision.
Conduct all phases of litigation, including pre-filing research, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, courtroom advocacy, and appeals.
Produce high-quality, effective legal content under tight deadlines, including amicus briefs, complaints, pleadings, and appeals.
Assist with identifying and selecting plaintiffs for impactful litigation.
Collaborate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external partners, including co-counsel, nonprofit allies, and communications professionals, to coordinate legal strategy and messaging.
Conduct and synthesize legal research for use in litigation case development and strategy, and in broader election safeguarding efforts.
Complete other election safeguarding research and tasks as directed by the Director of Litigation or other DDA leadership.