Overview
A mission-driven organization is seeking an Oversight Counsel with experience in federal oversight litigation to join their legal team. This role focuses on advancing legal and oversight strategies to protect democratic institutions, civil rights, government transparency, and to address abuses of power. The Oversight Counsel will lead strategy development for open records requests and litigation, managing a caseload independently and handling all aspects of federal open records litigation.
This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC, with flexibility for remote work. However, the role requires regular in-office presence approximately twice per week and occasional travel to DC for remote candidates.
The Oversight Counsel will report to the Director of Oversight and collaborate with Senior Oversight Counsel and Legal Directors on active litigation matters.
Responsibilities
- Lead federal and state court litigation of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and other transparency-related cases, managing a diverse caseload independently.
- Develop litigation strategy, propose cases, and handle day-to-day case management.
- Conduct legal research and draft court filings including complaints, motions, briefs, and amicus briefs at trial and appellate levels.
- Manage discovery processes, including written discovery, depositions, and evidentiary hearings.
- Conduct oral arguments in federal and state courts.
- Draft advocacy materials such as demand letters and administrative complaints.
- Propose and develop innovative litigation and non-litigation strategies to promote accountability and transparency.
- Develop and consult on FOIA requests aligned with litigation strategies.
- Collaborate with the Oversight team to research and develop investigation strategies under federal and state open records laws.
- Negotiate with federal, state, and local open records officials regarding pending requests and maintain active communication as the point of contact.
- Partner with communications and research teams to create messaging, blog posts, and other advocacy materials.
- Represent the organization in meetings with partners, coalitions, congressional staff, and during presentations and training sessions.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in good standing in the District of Columbia bar or another state bar with the ability to gain admission in D.C.
- 5-8 years of relevant litigation experience.
- Proven excellence in legal research and drafting of court filings, including complaints, dispositive motions, appeals, and regulatory filings.
- Deep familiarity with FOIA, Federal Advisory Committee Act, Presidential Records Act, and/or federal ethics laws.
- Commitment to public interest work.
- Ability to think creatively and develop legal strategies addressing complex social issues.
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with legal, academic, government, and nonprofit networks.
- High attention to detail, professionalism, discretion, and ethical standards.
- Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Occasional travel for retreats, conferences, or organizational meetings.
- Primarily office-based work involving extended periods of computer use.
- Reasonable accommodations available as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $155,000 – $165,000, commensurate with experience.
- Excellent benefits package.
Location
- Washington, DC office with flexible remote work options.
- Regular in-office presence required approximately twice per week.
- Remote candidates within the United States considered; travel to DC expected 1-2 times per quarter.