Managing Attorney

Democracy Forward seeks a highly skilled and experienced lawyer with excellent judgment for the role of Managing Attorney on Democracy Forward’s legal team. The Managing Attorney working closely with the Legal Directors and Practice Manager will work to ensure that the legal team’s resources are strategically and efficiently deployed, including building and managing external resources and guiding the professional development of the litigators. 

Responsibilities:

• Consulting with the Legal Directors, determine and then implement the workflow and staffing assignment of the litigators, using experience and judgment to efficiently allocate resources. 
• Monitor staff and other resource allocation within the legal team (including approval of litigator travel) and assist the Legal Directors in resource allocation decisions in light of strategic and/or programmatic objectives
• Build out relationships with law schools and clinics to identify and develop opportunities for  year round support for legal work and special projects. 
• Draft materials highlighting the legal team’s docket and litigation victories for external audiences.
• Working with the Legal Directors, Practice Manager, and People, Culture, and Operations (“PCO”) team, to oversee and manage the recruitment, hiring, and professional development of the legal staff (final decisions regarding legal staff rests with the President & CEO.) Assess and make strategic recommendations to address needed team capacity in terms of additional hires or skills required.
• Oversee the orientation and training of legal staff, including training on new technology and ongoing professional development, in consultation with the Legal Directors, Practice Manager and People, Culture, and Operations team.
• Implement the performance review process for legal staff and legal assistants in coordination with the Legal Directors, Practice Manager, and PCO team. 
• Manage DF’s pro-bono outreach and relationships.
• Working with the Practice Manager, and in consultation with the Legal Directors, identify & pursue ways to improve efficiency in work and information flow within the team, and among other parts of the organization.
• Working with the Practice Manager, and in consultation with the IHCs, identify and acquire resources and systems for the legal team’s work and implement best practices, including with respect to retainer agreements, co-counsel agreements, billing rates, and compliance with professional ethics.

Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law 
• 5+ years litigation experience; 10 years of legal experience including experience managing large case teams, practice groups or other groups of lawyers
• Nonprofit and/or law firm management preferred
• Management experience in fast paced environment
• Excellent writer; effective communicator
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; 
• The ability to work in and value a collaborative team model
• Commitment to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC and the candidate is required to be in the office an average of 2 days per week. 

Democracy Forward provides a competitive and transparent compensation and benefits package. The salary range for the Managing Attorney is  $170,000 - $185,000 annually.    

Democracy Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply. Please note that all lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia. 

Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement.  If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap in employment, or simply looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome the opportunity to have you on our radar.  Please include in your cover letter the nature of your interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress and what you hope to bring to our team and the role for which you are applying.