Apply on Employer Site

Brennan Center for Justice · 4 days ago

Senior Counsel, Liberty and National Security Program

New York, NY

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level

$145K/yr - $186K/yr

5+ years exp

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. They are seeking a skilled attorney to join their Liberty and National Security Program, focusing on advancing effective national security policies while respecting constitutional values.

AssociationConsultingGovernmentLegal

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Spearheading the LNS program’s work reconceiving the future of the Department of Homeland Security to prevent abuse of its broad authorities

Developing, drafting, and supervising legal and policy research and analyses

Producing written reports and other public educational materials that support policy advocacy, legislative reform, and communications initiatives

Writing and speaking for both legal and non-legal audiences, including speaking with news media, drafting opinion pieces and blog posts, participating in conferences, and other public appearances

Consulting with and advocating to lawmakers and other decision makers

Conceiving and planning public events and private convenings with experts from different fields

Participating in and organizing coalitions

Depending on the team’s needs, participating in litigation as amicus or counsel, including supervising research projects and reviewing work product, writing briefs, and developing strategy with team members, allied organizations, and/or pro bono law firm counsel

Contributing relevant legal and technical expertise and strategic advice to support the program’s work

Mentoring and supervising junior and mid-level attorneys, legal interns, and program support staff, reviewing and providing feedback on work product

Contributing to productive and collegial work within the team and across departments, including participation in recruitment and hiring, administration, communications, and development

Qualification

J.D.Federal law enforcement experienceResearchAnalytical skillsPublic speakingWriting for legal audiencesCoalition buildingSolutions-oriented outlookExperience in civil libertiesExperience in human rights lawLegislative advocacy experienceOrganizational skillsInterpersonal skillsTeam player mentality

Required

A J.D. and admission to the bar of the office where the employee is based. If you are admitted to a Bar for a state other than the office where you are located, you must be eligible to practice or apply for admission to that state's Bar within 6 months of hire

A minimum of five to eight years' relevant experience

Demonstrated capacity to drive projects and outcomes

Strong ability and interest in writing for legal, policy, and public audiences

Outstanding research and analytical skills

Comfort with public speaking and ability to work with media

Proven ability to work in coalition with other organizations and with diverse constituencies

Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and delegate effectively in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment

Strong initiative and ability to work independently, combined with a 'team player' mentality

Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, including the ability to work diplomatically and effectively with diverse constituencies both inside and outside the organization

Resilience, a sense of humor, and a solutions-oriented outlook

Preferred

Experience with federal law enforcement or immigration authorities (for example at the Departments of Homeland Security or Justice or experience serving as a staffer to an elected member of Congress or a committee covering issues of federal law enforcement, immigration, or homeland security)

A background in one or more of the following areas: civil liberties, homeland or national security, human rights law, or legislative advocacy (or other legislative experience)