Sr. Litigation Paralegal
Conducts legal research, drafts pleadings and discovery, manages case documents, and handles trial preparation, including e-filing and exhibit management
Utilizes litigation databases and e-discovery software, reviews documents for relevance and privilege, and prepares them for production
Drafts legal documents, summarizes facts, attends meetings, manages cases, and supervises legal assistants and junior paralegals
About the Company
Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education, and regulatory engagement. Across the country, from local school boards to the halls of Congress, extreme, anti-democratic movements seek to wield political power and roll back our rights. At this critical moment where those who were responsible for January 6th have returned to power, we must use the law to defend our democracy and build for a better future.
The courts are now the frontline in the battleground for democracy, not merely the last resort protectors of it.In towns and cities across America, Democracy Forward provides legal representation and expert counsel to people and communities who make up the very fabric of American democracy—free of charge. We also leverage our collective power and the law to hold anti-democratic actors to account at the national level. Our strategic pillars incorporate immediate defensive needs and a longer-term, proactive view in this fight for our democracy, our present, and our future. We leverage creativity, legal excellence, and our team’s unique mix of expertise and diverse experience in service of an unyielding determination to make our future better than our past.
About the Job
Democracy Forward is seeking Litigation Paralegals to carry out its mission to promote pro-democracy and progressive policies and ideals via litigation and regulatory engagement. The ideal candidates will have experience with one or more of the following:
Responsibilities
Litigation:
Ability to perform legal research, draft correspondence, cite-check, bluebook, and analyze pleadings
Experience with litigation document review databases, case management databases, and e-discovery software
Understands Litigation practice area protocols, an ability to anticipate attorney needs, an ability to exercise independent judgment
Experience overseeing junior-level paralegals
Ability to coordinate and manage case documents, including organization, substantive review for relevance and responsiveness, and identification of privileged and confidential information, as well as preparation of documents for production
Experience with Trial preparation and logistics, including management of scheduling, coordination with court clerks, preparation of witness files, page/line deposition summaries, management of exhibits, and leading with setting up trial space
Prepare pleadings and discovery under lawyer supervision. File and e-file pleadings in federal, state courts and government agencies
General:
Drafts, analyzes, and prepares legal documents for a supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal
Collects, evaluates, and summarizes relevant facts and legal concepts for a supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal
Attends client meetings, coordination meetings, and legal proceedings with a supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal
Provides case management for a legal matter for a supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal
Supervises Legal Assistants and Legal Support Specialists, and Paralegals on assigned tasks
Qualifications
Minimum experience 5 years for the Litigation Paralegal; minimum 10 years experience for Senior Litigation Paralegal
Experience working independently and having primary responsibility for matters
Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully on a team of attorney and staff professionals in a relatively flat hierarchical structure
Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines; must be able to work well both independently and in a team environment
Ability to become proficient in new issue areas and contribute to creative, rigorous, analytical approaches to address them
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients and partner organizations, including initiating new relationships, developing and managing coalitions
Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds
Commitment to workplace inclusion and ability to contribute affirmatively to a just and equitable workplace culture
Oversight Attorney
Partners in federal court litigation, designing litigation strategies, managing cases, and drafting legal documents related to FOIA requests
Maintains communication with government agencies, develops FOIA requests aligned with strategic goals, and manages correspondence for open records
Develops investigation strategies, leverages open records laws, and collaborates with the oversight team to identify investigative opportunities
About the Company
Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education, and regulatory engagement. Across the country, from local school boards to the halls of Congress, extreme, anti-democratic movements seek to wield political power and roll back our rights. At this critical moment where those who were responsible for January 6th have returned to power, we must use the law to defend our democracy and build for a better future.
The courts are now the frontline in the battleground for democracy, not merely the last resort protectors of it.In towns and cities across America, Democracy Forward provides legal representation and expert counsel to people and communities who make up the very fabric of American democracy—free of charge. We also leverage our collective power and the law to hold anti-democratic actors to account at the national level. Our strategic pillars incorporate immediate defensive needs and a longer-term, proactive view in this fight for our democracy, our present, and our future. We leverage creativity, legal excellence, and our team’s unique mix of expertise and diverse experience in service of an unyielding determination to make our future better than our past.
About the Job
Democracy Forward seeks a highly collaborative Oversight Attorney to join its Oversight & Strategic Initiatives team and advance its oversight and investigations work, primarily through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and litigation. The Oversight Attorney will report to the Director of Oversight and/or Senior Oversight Counsel.
Responsibilities
Partner with Democracy Forward’s Senior Oversight Counsel in litigating Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in federal court and other litigation matters as assigned, on behalf of Democracy Forward and other clients
Assist Senior Oversight Counsel in designing litigation strategy, and managing day-to-day case management
Perform legal research and draft legal documents, including administrative appeals for FOIA requests, and other court filings in FOIA litigation
Maintain active communication and follow up with FOIA or open records officers in government agencies as DF’s point of contact for assigned active open records requests, or manage such correspondence handled by other team members
Develop and draft (or consult on) FOIA requests designed to advance DF’s broader strategy (independent of its FOIA litigation). Work closely with litigation case teams to accomplish this
Work with DF’s oversight team to research and develop investigation strategies and opportunities consistent with relevant federal and state open records laws
Qualifications
JD required
Recent law school graduate, up to 2 years of experience clerking or litigating
Demonstrated experience with legal, policy, and media databases and tools, including Westlaw, Docket Alarm, and PACER
Experience analyzing a significant volume of court decisions and litigation documents in a timely and accurate manner
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Experience working on teams in a collaborative structure
Ability to manage multiple, competing deadlines and priorities and be nimble and flexible in response to fast-moving threats
Ability to process large amounts of information and develop strategic responses with limited oversight
Attention to detail
Demonstrated excellence in organizational and communication skills
A commitment to Democracy Forward’s values of excellence, inclusion, accountability, collaboration, and impact
Demonstrated commitment to democracy and social progress
Gift Processing Specialist
Accurately and efficiently processes all donations, including data entry into EveryAction, ensuring compliance and maintaining data integrity
Generates and sends timely and accurate thank-you letters and receipts, coordinating with the partnership team for compelling acknowledgments
Prepares donation summaries, segmented donor lists, and collaborates with finance to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance
About the Company
Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education, and regulatory engagement. Across the country, from local school boards to the halls of Congress, extreme, anti-democratic movements seek to wield political power and roll back our rights. At this critical moment where those who were responsible for January 6th have returned to power, we must use the law to defend our democracy and build for a better future.
The courts are now the frontline in the battleground for democracy, not merely the last resort protectors of it.In towns and cities across America, Democracy Forward provides legal representation and expert counsel to people and communities who make up the very fabric of American democracy—free of charge. We also leverage our collective power and the law to hold anti-democratic actors to account at the national level. Our strategic pillars incorporate immediate defensive needs and a longer-term, proactive view in this fight for our democracy, our present, and our future. We leverage creativity, legal excellence, and our team’s unique mix of expertise and diverse experience in service of an unyielding determination to make our future better than our past.
About the Job
The Gift Processing Specialist is responsible for overseeing all aspects of gift processing, ensuring the accurate, timely, and efficient processing of donations to support Democracy Forward’s (C4) and Democracy Forward Foundation’s (C3) fundraising and donor stewardship efforts. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of nonprofit fundraising systems, and a strong commitment to maintaining donor confidentiality and accurate records.
Responsibilities
Gift Processing and Data Entry:
Oversee the accurate and timely processing of all gifts, including checks, credit card donations, and electronic transfers
Input donor data and donation information into the database (currently EveryAction)
Ensure records are accurate, up to date, and compliant with nonprofit standards
Accurately code and categorize gifts in accordance with organizational standards and IRS regulations
Maintain and oversee the integrity of the gift processing workflow to ensure no errors or delays
Gift Acknowledgments:
Ensure timely and accurate acknowledgment of donations by generating and sending thank you letters, receipts, and other forms of donor recognition
Coordinate with the partnership team to keep gift acknowledgements timely and compelling
Reporting and Reconciliation:
Prepare regular reports including detailed summaries of donations received, and reconciliation with the finance department
Prepare segmented donor and prospect lists for use by team members
Work closely with the finance and accounting teams to ensure the accurate transfer of gift data for financial reporting and compliance
Qualifications
Associates degree a plus
Minimum of one year of experience in gift processing or fundraising operations, ideally in a nonprofit setting
Proficiency with fundraising and donor management software or CRMs (e.g., EveryAction, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, etc.)
Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft required
Familiarity with nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, and IRS regulations on charitable contributions
Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Ability to handle sensitive donor information with discretion and confidentiality
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
Sr. Counsel
Serves as lead or co-counsel in federal and state court proceedings, handling all phases from initiation to appeal, and advises clients on legal strategy
Cultivates partnerships with diverse public interest groups, develops coalitions, and represents clients before federal agencies to advance progressive policy
Drafts various written documents, including court filings, agency comments, and FOIA requests, while also monitoring policy issues and mentoring staff
About the Company
Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education, and regulatory engagement. Across the country, from local school boards to the halls of Congress, extreme, anti-democratic movements seek to wield political power and roll back our rights. At this critical moment where those who were responsible for January 6th have returned to power, we must use the law to defend our democracy and build for a better future.
The courts are now the frontline in the battleground for democracy, not merely the last resort protectors of it.In towns and cities across America, Democracy Forward provides legal representation and expert counsel to people and communities who make up the very fabric of American democracy—free of charge. We also leverage our collective power and the law to hold anti-democratic actors to account at the national level. Our strategic pillars incorporate immediate defensive needs and a longer-term, proactive view in this fight for our democracy, our present, and our future. We leverage creativity, legal excellence, and our team’s unique mix of expertise and diverse experience in service of an unyielding determination to make our future better than our past.
About the Job
Democracy Forward is seeking attorneys to carry out its mission to promote pro-democracy and progressive policies and ideals via litigation and regulatory engagement. The ideal candidates will have experience with one or more of the following:
State or federal litigation, including investigating and researching potential claims, drafting complaints, briefs, and supporting documents, and participating in hearings and arguments
The federal regulatory process, either via litigation, notice-and-comment rule-making, or other administrative processes
Client development and coalition partnerships
Responsibilities
Litigation: Serve as lead or co-counsel in proceedings in federal and state courts, including advising clients on litigation strategy, risks, and objectives, and carrying out all aspects of litigation from case initiation through appeal. This includes representing Democracy Forward and external clients in litigation handled entirely by Democracy Forward attorneys or co-counseling with law firms or other entities
Client development and coalition management: work with partners from a wide range of public interest spheres, including non-profits, local governments, small businesses, unions, and individuals, to develop, litigate, and raise awareness of Democracy Forward’s legal work. This includes building relationships with potential clients and other partners and supporting coalition development
Agency advocacy: represent clients before federal agencies in developing progressive policy via the regulatory process including rulemakings, agency hearings, and agency meetings
Draft written work product, including filings, legal memorandum, agency comments, FOIA requests, letters, and other types of advocacy materials, including but not limited to, petitions for rulemaking and letters to agency Inspectors General
Monitor relevant policy issues to identify instances where Democracy Forward should consider getting involved in litigation (either affirmative litigation or as an amicus or intervenor) or in regulatory advocacy
Support the growth and development of junior legal staff. This includes providing appropriate and timely feedback, informal mentorship, and other opportunities for collaboration and support
Contribute affirmatively to a workplace culture of inclusion and equity
Qualifications
J.D. from an accredited law school
Active membership in good standing in the bar of the District of Columbia, or membership in good standing in another state bar with the ability to become admitted in D.C.
For Senior Counsel positions, we require at least 7 years of relevant experience, ideally some of which will have been on behalf of or against federal or state governments and/or advocating for clients in the federal regulatory process
Title and compensation are based on relevant experience
Democracy Forward has a competitive, lock-step compensation structure for its lawyers
Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research and drafting legal documents (including court filings such as complaints, dispositive motions, and appeals, and/or regulatory filings such as comments and petitions for rulemaking), in a professional, timely, and self-directed manner
Familiarity with legal doctrines applicable to litigation and/or regulatory advocacy involving federal and/or state governments. Experience with the federal Administrative Procedure Act is a plus
Experience developing affirmative litigation in state and/or federal courts, including researching potential theories, developing potential clients, and building factual records
Experience working independently and having primary responsibility for matters
Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully on a team of attorney and staff professionals in a relatively flat hierarchical structure
Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines; must be able to work well both independently and in a team environment
Ability to become proficient in new issue areas and contribute to creative, rigorous, analytical approaches to address them
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients and partner organizations, including initiating new relationships, developing and managing coalitions
Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds
Commitment to workplace inclusion and ability to contribute affirmatively to a just and equitable workplace culture