Senior Policy Counsel, Free Expression Project

Center for Democracy & Technology • Washington, DC

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is seeking an experienced or mid-level attorney to advance the Free Expression Project’s work protecting free expression in the digital age. The role requires substantial independence and deep subject-matter expertise. The Senior Policy Counsel will work across issues involving the right to speak, access information, and organize online; free-expression values in AI policy; and human-rights-grounded trust and safety practices. Key focus areas include deepfakes, online scraping, anonymity, preserving the open internet, and copyright.

The position analyzes law and policy, helps shape CDT’s positions, represents CDT with policymakers and other stakeholders, and leads projects from conception through completion. It reports to the Director of the Free Expression Project. There are no direct reports initially, though mentorship or supervisory responsibilities may arise as the team grows.

CDT is a nonpartisan nonprofit that advances civil rights and civil liberties in the digital age. The organization engages policymakers in the U.S. and European Union, advocates for company best practices, represents the public interest in multistakeholder processes and standards bodies, files amicus briefs, conducts research, and raises public awareness. The position is based in CDT’s Washington, D.C. office, with a hybrid schedule of three days in the office per week. Exceptional candidates outside Washington, D.C. may also be considered.

Requirements

• At least five years of experience in law or policy related to free expression, technology policy, or civil liberties.
• Juris Doctorate (JD) required.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. First Amendment law and Section 230.
• Ability to manage complex projects and influence policy outcomes.
• Ability to understand relevant technologies, including network management, content-recognition tools, generative systems, and identity or age-verification systems, and explain them accurately to nontechnical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and carry out advocacy strategies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience or strong potential as a public spokesperson.
• Ability to build and sustain collegial relationships with coworkers and diverse partners across government, industry, and civil society, and to work effectively in multistakeholder settings.
• Comfort managing multiple priorities with limited supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Admission to a state bar is preferred.
• Familiarity with copyright law, including the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and law governing synthetic media or anonymous speech.
• Familiarity with international human rights law as it applies to the online and generative AI environment.
• Experience in a nonprofit, government, law firm, clinic, or academic setting is welcome.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze, and provide expert counsel on government and company activity affecting free expression.
• Develop and recommend engagement strategies to advance CDT’s goals, drawing on subject-matter experts within and outside CDT.
• Lead work on assigned issue areas, including deepfakes and synthetic media; online anonymity and pseudonymity; preserving the open internet; and supporting researchers’ access to data.
• Provide authoritative legal and policy analysis on complex issues, including First Amendment law, Section 230, copyright law, the DMCA, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
• Translate complex legal and technical issues into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry representatives, and civil society partners.
• Develop and manage advocacy projects from conception to completion, defining scope and timelines and ensuring high-quality, timely work products.
• Coordinate with colleagues across CDT to advance shared priorities.
• Represent CDT in meetings with government officials, industry, and coalition partners.
• Publish reports, op-eds, memos, comments, and other written work; engage with the press and speak at public events.
• Draft regulatory comments, testimony, and, as appropriate, amicus briefs and other legal filings.
• Collaborate with the Project Director and team to set the Free Expression Project’s annual strategy.
• Mentor junior staff, interns, and fellows as opportunities arise, and contribute to a collaborative team culture.

Benefits

• 100% covered health care, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
• Life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• 403(b) retirement account; CDT contributes 6% of salary following a year of employment.
• 13 company holidays and closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Paid vacation starting at 15 days per year, increasing with tenure.
• Sick days.
• Parental leave.

What This Job Offers

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