Senior Counsel / Counsel / Senior Staff Attorney

Democracy Forward • Washington, DC

9d • $135,000 - $230,000

About The Position

Democracy Forward Foundation is seeking attorneys to promote pro-democracy and progressive policies and ideals through litigation and regulatory engagement. Candidates may be considered for Senior Counsel, Counsel, or Senior Staff Attorney, with experience expectations varying by level. Attorneys serve as lead or co-counsel in state and federal proceedings, advise clients on litigation strategy, and handle cases from initiation through appeal. They also represent clients before federal agencies, engage in regulatory processes, build partnerships and coalitions, and prepare legal and advocacy materials. The position works closely with the legal team and reports to the Managing Attorney.

This is a full-time position based in Democracy Forward’s Washington, DC office. Remote candidates within the United States may also be considered. Candidates outside the DC area are expected to travel to DC one to two times per quarter. Occasional travel may also be required for team retreats, conferences, or organizational meetings. The role may involve sitting for extended periods and working on a computer; reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

The organization offers a competitive, lockstep, and transparent compensation and benefits package. Salary ranges are $175,000–$230,000 for Senior Counsel, $155,000–$165,000 for Counsel, and $135,000–$145,000 for Senior Staff Attorney. Democracy Forward is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and inclusive culture.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing in the District of Columbia bar, or good standing in another state bar with the ability to become admitted in D.C.
• Relevant post-law-school experience: at least 7 years for Senior Counsel, 5–6 years for Counsel, or 3–4 years for Senior Staff Attorney.
• Demonstrated excellence in legal research and drafting legal documents in a professional, timely, and self-directed manner.
• Experience drafting court filings such as complaints, dispositive motions, and appeals, and/or regulatory filings such as comments and petitions for rulemaking.
• Familiarity with legal doctrines applicable to litigation and/or regulatory advocacy involving federal or state governments.
• Experience developing affirmative litigation in state or federal courts, including researching potential theories, developing potential clients, and building factual records.
• Experience working independently and taking primary responsibility for matters.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with attorney and staff professionals in a relatively flat hierarchical structure.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments, meet deadlines, and work effectively both independently and in a team.
• Ability to become proficient in new issue areas and contribute creative, rigorous, analytical approaches.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients and partner organizations, initiate new relationships, and develop and manage coalitions.
• Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills, including self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience on behalf of or against federal or state governments, or advocating for clients in the federal regulatory process, particularly for Senior Counsel candidates.
• Experience with the federal Administrative Procedure Act.
• Excellent writing ability.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead or co-counsel in federal and state court proceedings, advising clients on litigation strategy, risks, and objectives and carrying out litigation from case initiation through appeal.
• Represent Democracy Forward Foundation and external clients in litigation handled by its attorneys or in collaboration with law firms or other entities.
• Develop relationships with potential clients and partners, support coalition development, and work with public interest partners to develop, litigate, and raise awareness of legal work.
• Represent clients before federal agencies through rulemakings, agency hearings, and agency meetings.
• Draft filings, legal memoranda, agency comments, FOIA requests, letters, petitions for rulemaking, letters to agency Inspectors General, and other advocacy materials.
• Monitor policy issues to identify potential litigation or regulatory advocacy opportunities, including affirmative litigation, amicus participation, or intervention.
• Support the growth and development of junior legal staff through timely feedback, informal mentorship, collaboration, and other forms of support.
• Contribute affirmatively to a workplace culture of inclusion and equity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree