Senior Staff Attorney/Counsel (Civil Rights Focus)

Position Summary:

Democracy Forward Foundation is seeking attorneys to carry out its mission to promote pro democracy and progressive policies and ideals. These positions will be focused on the protection and  advancement of civil rights via litigation. 

The ideal candidates will have experience with one or more of the following:

• State or federal civil rights 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 rulemaking, or other administrative processes 
• Client development and coalition partnerships
• 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
  • This position is full-time. Democracy Forward Foundation’s office is located in Washington, DC; the employee is expected to be in the office an average of 2 days per week. Remote candidates within the United States will also be considered. If a candidate is outside of the DC area, travel to DC is expected 1-2 times per quarter.

Key Responsibilities:

Litigation:

• 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. 

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 Foundation'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. 
• 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.

Qualifications:

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply.

•  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. 
• Experience:
  • 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. Title and compensation are based on relevant experience. Democracy Forward Foundation 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. Excellent writing ability is a plus. 
• 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
• Experience developing affirmative litigation in state and/or federal courts, including researching potential theories, developing potential clients, and building factual records. 
• 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. 

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• This role may require occasional travel for team retreats, conferences, or organizational meetings.
• This role may involve sitting for extended periods and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

Democracy Forward Foundation provides a competitive, lockstep and transparent compensation and benefits package. The salary range for Senior Staff Attorney positions is $135,000 - $145,000, based on years of relevant experience and seniority. The salary range for Counsel positions is $155,000 – $165,000+, based on years of relevant experience and seniority.