Senior Counsel

Overview

A legal advocacy organization focused on protecting consumers and workers from predatory debt practices is seeking a Senior Counsel to lead and strategize litigation and policy efforts related to various forms of credit and debt, including student loans, utility debt, credit cards, fintech products, and worker debt. This full-time, exempt position reports to the Legal Director and is represented by the Office of Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

Responsibilities

• Manage an active docket of cases independently and collaboratively, including:
  • Identifying and interviewing affected consumers or workers
  • Gathering evidence using Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and open records laws
  • Drafting legal briefs and evaluating causes of action
  • Tracking court deadlines and appearing in court
  • Coordinating with junior legal and non-legal staff, co-counsel, and opposing counsel
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on topics such as federal preemption, consumer and worker protection statutes, and federal administrative procedures
• Draft written comments on federal and state proposed regulations and provide testimony in legislative and regulatory hearings
• Collaborate with state and local advocacy partners, lobbyists, and industry to draft and negotiate state legislative proposals
• Develop original legal analyses addressing challenges faced by consumers and workers and contribute to policy proposals
• Apply a racial and economic justice lens to litigation and organizational initiatives
• Manage relationships with state attorneys general, financial regulators, and private attorneys, including advising on investigations and enforcement actions
• Assist in planning and executing conferences, roundtables, and other events focused on consumer and worker protection
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school
• License to practice law in any U.S. state or the District of Columbia
• Admission or eligibility for admission to the federal District Court for the District of Columbia
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant post-law school experience, including clerkships or public service fellowships
• Experience in consumer law, worker protections, administrative law, student loan law, or financial regulation
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and accurately
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage extensive documentation
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and teams
• Professional conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain composure under pressure
• Capacity to manage multiple deadlines and priorities efficiently
• Technological proficiency to ensure confidentiality and task completion
• High attention to detail and ability to anticipate informational needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in fast-paced environments with shifting deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to racial and economic justice in legal work

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary range: $120,000 to $135,000 per year
• Alternate Fridays off schedule (40 hours one week, 32 hours the next)
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with 5% employer match
• Generous paid time off and approximately 16 paid holidays annually
• Technology allowance
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Access to mental health benefits and wellness resources

Location

The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., but operates a remote team within the U.S. Eastern Time Zone. Applicants from any location within the continental United States are welcome to apply.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is committed to providing a discrimination-free work environment that values diversity and inclusion. Efforts are made to recruit, train, and retain talented individuals from all backgrounds to enhance organizational effectiveness and outcomes.