Attorney

Overview

An experienced attorney is sought to join a Midwest Voting Rights Program focused on defending and protecting voting rights in Indiana, a state with some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful litigation and policy advocacy that will influence the legal landscape for years to come. The position will be based in Indiana and may be filled at the Program Counsel or Senior Counsel level depending on legal experience.

Responsibilities

Strategic Litigation

• Lead and conduct impact litigation in Indiana state and federal courts challenging systemic barriers to voting and representation, including discriminatory laws, policies, and procedures.
• Develop federal and state civil rights legal theories and build local expertise.
• File rapid response litigation against barriers affecting Indiana voters and support stakeholders facing intimidation or attacks.
• Support and expand pro bono relationships with law firms serving as co-counsel.
• Coordinate with attorneys in Illinois and across the Midwest on a multi-state strategy.

Policy Advocacy

• Draft and analyze Indiana legislation and administrative policies affecting voting access.
• Partner with community organizations and statewide coalitions on legislative, policy, and administrative advocacy in Indiana.
• Produce publications, know-your-rights materials, fact sheets, and policy briefs tailored to Indiana voting rights issues.
• Conduct presentations to stakeholders including legislators, advocates, election officials, and media in Indiana.

Community Engagement & Election Protection

• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with Indiana organizations and coalitions from communities impacted by systemic racism, including organizations serving voters with disabilities, voters with limited English proficiency, system-impacted voters, voters of color, and rural voters.
• Provide brief advice and legal opinions to community partners across Indiana.
• Plan and participate in community education and outreach in support of advocacy goals, including in underserved areas.
• Lead Indiana Election Protection initiatives, including volunteer attorney recruitment, training, and deployment via the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline.
• Partner with and advocate to election officials.
• Coordinate voting initiatives and partnerships with incarcerated and returning community members in Indiana.

Requirements

• Must be based in Indiana with regular travel within the state and periodic travel to the Chicago office for team meetings, training, and program-wide convenings.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to the Indiana Bar, or admission in another state with the requirement to obtain Indiana licensure within one year.
• At least 5 years of combined experience in civil rights litigation, policy advocacy, and/or advancing voting rights, including a minimum of 3 years litigation experience.
• Demonstrated impact litigation experience, including federal court practice (7th Circuit experience preferred).
• Established working relationships with coalitions and organizations in Indiana; candidates should be prepared to describe specific coalitions and partners and the nature of those relationships.
• Deep commitment to racial justice and community-driven advocacy.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• High degree of flexibility, ability to multi-task, and take significant initiative.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Cross-cultural competencies and self-awareness regarding issues of power, privilege, and difference.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising attorneys, fellows, or program staff.
• Experience working with voting rights coalitions or pro-democracy organizations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $70,000 – $108,000 per year depending on experience.

  • $70,000-$90,000 for applicants with under 8 years of experience.
  • $90,000-$108,000 for applicants with at least 8 years of experience.

• Benefits include:

  • 15 vacation days per year for years 1-2, increasing to 20 vacation days after two years of continuous service, plus 2 personal days.
  • 10 sick days per year.
  • Health, dental, basic life, short-term disability, long-term disability, and Employee Assistance Program.
  • Voluntary vision, life, critical illness, and accident insurance.
  • 403(b) retirement plan.
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.

Location

This position is based in Indiana and primarily works remotely, with regular in-state travel and periodic travel to the Chicago office for team meetings, training, and program-wide convenings.