Senior Counsel

Overview

This role involves litigation and federal regulatory engagement to support pro-democracy and progressive policies and ideals. Senior Counsel reports to the Managing Attorney and works closely with the broader legal team.

This position is full-time. The office location is Washington, DC. Remote candidates within the United States will also be considered. If based outside the DC area, travel to DC is expected 1–2 times per quarter.

Note: The employer is accepting applications on a rolling basis and may not be able to respond to individual applications if there is not a current opening that fits qualifications. Applications are reviewed regularly.

Responsibilities

• Litigation: Serve as lead or co-counsel in proceedings in federal and state courts, including advising clients on litigation strategy, risks, and objectives, and handling matters from case initiation through appeal.
  • Represent the organization and external clients in litigation handled entirely by organization attorneys or co-counseling with law firms or other entities.
• Client development and coalition management: Work with partners across public interest spheres—including non-profits, local governments, small businesses, unions, and individuals—to develop, litigate, and raise awareness of the organization’s legal work.
  • Build relationships with potential clients and partners and support coalition development.
• Agency advocacy: Represent clients before federal agencies in developing progressive policy through the regulatory process, including rulemakings, agency hearings, and agency meetings.
• Draft legal work product: Prepare filings, legal memoranda, agency comments, FOIA requests, letters, and other advocacy materials, including petitions for rulemaking and letters to agency Inspectors General.
• Monitor policy issues: Identify opportunities to get involved in litigation (affirmative litigation or as an amicus or intervenor) or in regulatory advocacy.
• Support junior staff: Provide appropriate and timely feedback, informal mentorship, and collaboration opportunities for junior legal staff.
• Contribute to workplace culture: Support inclusion and equity in the workplace.

Requirements

• Education: J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Bar membership:
  • 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 (Senior Counsel): At least 7 years of relevant experience post-law school, ideally including work on behalf of or against federal or state governments and/or advocating for clients in the federal regulatory process.
  • The employer will also consider candidates with less than seven years of experience.
• Research and drafting: Demonstrated excellence in legal research and drafting legal documents, including:
  • court filings (e.g., complaints, dispositive motions, appeals) and/or
  • regulatory filings (e.g., comments, petitions for rulemaking).
  • Professional, timely, self-directed work; excellent writing ability is a plus.
• Legal familiarity: Familiarity with legal doctrines applicable to litigation and/or regulatory advocacy involving federal and/or state governments.
  • Experience with the federal Administrative Procedure Act is a plus.
• Affirmative litigation experience: Experience developing affirmative litigation in state and/or federal courts, including researching potential theories, developing potential clients, and building factual records.
• Independence: Experience working independently with primary responsibility for matters.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with attorney and staff professionals in a relatively flat hierarchical structure.
• Workload management: Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines in both independent and team environments.
• Adaptability: Ability to become proficient in new issue areas and contribute to creative, rigorous, analytical approaches.
• Relationship-building: Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients and partner organizations, including initiating new relationships and building/managing coalitions.
• Interpersonal skills: Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills, including self-awareness and a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the federal Administrative Procedure Act.
• Excellent writing ability.

Compensation & Benefits

• The organization provides a competitive, lockstep and transparent compensation and benefits package.
• Salary range for Senior Counsel: $175,000 – $230,000, based on years of relevant experience.
• Salary and title will be commensurate with experience.

Location & Work Environment

• Office location: Washington, DC.
• Remote candidates within the United States will be considered.
• If outside the DC area: travel to DC is expected 1–2 times per quarter.
• Occasional travel may be required 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.