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Democracy Forward · 1 month ago

Senior Staff Attorney/Counsel (Civil Rights Focus)

Washington, DC

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$135K/yr - $145K/yr

4+ years exp

Democracy Forward Foundation is seeking attorneys to carry out its mission to promote pro democracy and progressive policies and ideals. This position will focus on the protection and advancement of civil rights via litigation, including partnering with senior lawyers and representing clients in federal and state courts.

LegalNon ProfitSocial

Responsibilities

Partner with senior lawyers and/or serve as lead or co-counsel in proceedings in federal and state courts and administrative bodies, including advising clients on litigation strategy, risks and objectives, and all aspects of litigation from case initiation through appeal. This includes representing Democracy Forward Foundation and external clients in litigation handled entirely by Democracy Forward Foundation attorneys or co-counseling with law firms or other entities

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 Foundation's legal work. This includes building relationships with potential clients and other partners and supporting coalition development

Represent clients before federal agencies in developing progressive policy via the regulatory process including rulemakings, agency hearings, and agency meetings

Research and draft written work product, including filings, legal memorandum, agency comments, FOIA requests, letters, and other types of advocacy materials

Monitor relevant policy issues to identify instances where Democracy Forward Foundation 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 more 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

Qualification

Civil rights litigationLegal researchDrafting legal documentsFederal regulatory processClient developmentCoalition partnershipsCommitment to diversityWorkplace inclusionInterpersonal skillsTeam collaboration

Required

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 Staff Attorney level, we require a minimum of 4-5 years of relevant legal 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

For Counsel positions, we require at least 6-7 years of relevant legal 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

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

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

Preferred

Experience in matters involving one or more the following statutes is preferable, but not required: Title VI, Title IX, Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Mortgage Lending, Section 1981, Section 1983, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Automated Data Systems/AI, Data Collection/Analysis

Familiarity with legal doctrines applicable to litigation and/or regulatory advocacy involving federal and/or state governments

Experience with the federal Administrative Procedure Act and the statutes listed in this posting is a plus

Excellent writing ability is a plus

Experience developing affirmative litigation in state and/or federal courts, including researching potential theories, developing potential clients, and building factual records