Legal Counsel/ Sr. Legal Col, Voting Rights

Position Summary

CLC’s voting rights team is hiring a lawyer at either the legal counsel or senior legal counsel level. The Legal Counsel/Senior Legal Counsel litigates cases in federal and state courts and helps CLC develop, implement, advocate for, and defend policies that promote the freedom to vote across the country. The Legal Counsel/Senior Legal Counsel splits their time among the team’s litigation and policy efforts as needed. 

Under the management of their supervisor, the Legal Counsel/Senior Legal Counsel plays an integral role in litigating federal and state court cases challenging anti-voter laws and practices, including identifying litigation opportunities, preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs, managing discovery, and participating in trial and appellate proceedings. The Legal Counsel/Senior Legal Counsel also provides legal expertise to stakeholders and policymakers as they develop and advocate for pro- voter policies—and against anti-voter policies—at the federal, state, and local level. This work may include analyzing and drafting legislation and policy proposals, creating advocacy materials, testifying before legislatures and other governmental bodies, and working closely with coalitions to support community efforts to promote the freedom to vote.

A lawyer at the legal counsel level would report to a senior legal counsel on the team. A lawyer at the senior legal counsel level will report to a Director or the Senior Director. Attorneys at the Senior Legal Counsel level may supervise other attorneys and paralegals on specific cases and matters.

The Legal Counsel/Senior Legal Counsel position is eligible to take part in CLC’s telework and flexible work programs. Applicants from all geographic areas of the United States are welcome. A resume and cover letter are required to apply for this position; applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. 

This requisition will close to applicants on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. 

Responsibilities

• Find strategic litigation opportunities promoting the freedom to vote in coordination with internal and external stakeholders
• Participate in all levels of federal and state litigation from pleading stage through discovery, trial and appellate proceeding
• Prepare pleadings, motions, and briefs in federal and state cases, and strategize and help manage discovery process
• Take and defend witness depositions and take part in court hearings 
• Draft legislation and policy proposals and review and analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and other policy proposals
• Create legal advocacy materials including policy papers, comments on rulemaking, letters to elected officials or election administrators, or communications products
• Build and maintain relationships with local and national partners in support of litigation and legislative efforts
• Other duties as assigned.
• Some travel required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Legal experience required this position: for Legal Counsel, at least three years (a judicial clerkship satisfies this requirement); for Senior Legal Counsel, at least five years. 
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team
• Active membership in the DC bar in good standing, or eligibility to waive into the DC bar
  • Or, if remote, membership in the bar of the applicant’s jurisdiction of residence
• Commitment to the nonpartisan nature and overall mission of CLC
• Demonstrated interest in voting rights and election law is preferred but not required

EEO Statement 

Campaign Legal Center (CLC) is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a nondiscriminatory work environment. CLC is proud to be an inclusive organization. It does not make hiring or advancement, or other employment decisions, based on race, national origin, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, familial status or responsibilities, personal appearance, pregnancy, political affiliation, ancestry, military or veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, District of Columbia, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, job assignment, compensation, promotion, termination, benefits, and training.

Disclaimer: This description is intended to provide an overview of this position and is not all inclusive. The incumbent in this position will be expected to perform other duties as required. Responsibilities may change over time. This description is provided for informational purposes only and does not form the basis of a contract.