Sr. Counsel
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
