Democracy Forward
Senior Staff Attorney/Counsel (Civil Rights Focus)
Democracy Forward, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Senior Staff Attorney / Counsel (Civil Rights Focus)
Senior Staff Attorney / Counsel (Civil Rights Focus)
role at
Democracy Forward
Position Summary Democracy Forward Foundation is seeking attorneys to carry out its mission to promote pro‑democracy and progressive policies and ideals. These positions will be focused on the protection and advancement of civil rights via litigation.
Ideal candidates will have experience with one or more of the following:
State or federal civil rights litigation, including investigating and researching potential claims, drafting complaints, briefs, supporting documents, and participating in hearings and arguments.
The federal regulatory process, either via litigation, notice‑and‑comment rulemaking, or other administrative processes.
Client development and coalition partnerships.
Experience in matters involving one or more of the following statutes (preferable but not required):
Title VI
Title IX
Fair Housing Act
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
Mortgage Lending
Section 1981
Section 1983
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act
Administrative Procedure Act
Automated Data Systems/AI
Data Collection/Analysis
This position is full‑time. The office is located in Washington, DC; the employee is expected to be in the office an average of two days per week. Remote candidates within the United States will also be considered. If a candidate is outside the DC area, travel to DC is expected one to two times per quarter.
Key Responsibilities Litigation
Partner with senior lawyers and/or serve as lead or co‑counsel in proceedings in federal and state courts and administrative bodies; advise clients on litigation strategy, risks and objectives; handle all aspects of litigation from case initiation through appeal; represent Democracy Forward Foundation and external clients in litigation handled entirely by our attorneys or in collaboration with law firms.
Client Development and Coalition Management
Work with partners from a wide range of public interest spheres—including non‑profits, local governments, small businesses, unions, and individuals—to develop, litigate, and raise awareness of Democracy Forward's legal work; build relationships with potential clients and other partners and support coalition development.
Agency Advocacy
Represent clients before federal agencies in developing progressive policy via the regulatory process, including rulemakings, agency hearings, and agency meetings.
Research and draft written work product—filings, legal memorandum, agency comments, FOIA requests, letters, and other advocacy materials.
Monitor relevant policy issues to identify opportunities for litigation or regulatory advocacy.
Support the growth and development of junior legal staff through mentorship and collaboration.
Contribute affirmatively to a workplace culture of inclusion and equity.
Qualifications
J.D. from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing in the bar of the District of Columbia, or membership in good standing in another state bar with ability to be admitted in DC.
Experience:
Senior Staff Attorney: minimum 4‑5 years of relevant legal experience, ideally in litigation against or on behalf of federal or state governments or regulatory advocacy.
Counsel: minimum 6‑7 years of relevant legal experience under similar criteria.
Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research and drafting legal documents.
Familiarity with legal doctrines applicable to litigation and regulatory advocacy involving federal and/or state governments.
Experience developing affirmative litigation, researching theories, and building factual records.
Collaboration skills in a relatively flat hierarchical structure.
Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines.
Proficiency in new issue areas and analytical approaches.
Relationship management with clients and partners.
Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
May require occasional travel for team retreats, conferences or organizational meetings.
Might involve long periods of sitting and computer work; reasonable accommodations provided.
Compensation and Benefits Salary range for Senior Staff Attorney positions: $135,000 – $145,000. Salary range for Counsel positions: $155,000 – $165,000+. These ranges are based on years of relevant experience and seniority.
Equal Opportunity Employer Democracy Forward Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, women, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All lawyer positions require a law degree and active bar membership. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
role at
Democracy Forward
Position Summary Democracy Forward Foundation is seeking attorneys to carry out its mission to promote pro‑democracy and progressive policies and ideals. These positions will be focused on the protection and advancement of civil rights via litigation.
Ideal candidates will have experience with one or more of the following:
State or federal civil rights litigation, including investigating and researching potential claims, drafting complaints, briefs, supporting documents, and participating in hearings and arguments.
The federal regulatory process, either via litigation, notice‑and‑comment rulemaking, or other administrative processes.
Client development and coalition partnerships.
Experience in matters involving one or more of the following statutes (preferable but not required):
Title VI
Title IX
Fair Housing Act
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
Mortgage Lending
Section 1981
Section 1983
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act
Administrative Procedure Act
Automated Data Systems/AI
Data Collection/Analysis
This position is full‑time. The office is located in Washington, DC; the employee is expected to be in the office an average of two days per week. Remote candidates within the United States will also be considered. If a candidate is outside the DC area, travel to DC is expected one to two times per quarter.
Key Responsibilities Litigation
Partner with senior lawyers and/or serve as lead or co‑counsel in proceedings in federal and state courts and administrative bodies; advise clients on litigation strategy, risks and objectives; handle all aspects of litigation from case initiation through appeal; represent Democracy Forward Foundation and external clients in litigation handled entirely by our attorneys or in collaboration with law firms.
Client Development and Coalition Management
Work with partners from a wide range of public interest spheres—including non‑profits, local governments, small businesses, unions, and individuals—to develop, litigate, and raise awareness of Democracy Forward's legal work; build relationships with potential clients and other partners and support coalition development.
Agency Advocacy
Represent clients before federal agencies in developing progressive policy via the regulatory process, including rulemakings, agency hearings, and agency meetings.
Research and draft written work product—filings, legal memorandum, agency comments, FOIA requests, letters, and other advocacy materials.
Monitor relevant policy issues to identify opportunities for litigation or regulatory advocacy.
Support the growth and development of junior legal staff through mentorship and collaboration.
Contribute affirmatively to a workplace culture of inclusion and equity.
Qualifications
J.D. from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing in the bar of the District of Columbia, or membership in good standing in another state bar with ability to be admitted in DC.
Experience:
Senior Staff Attorney: minimum 4‑5 years of relevant legal experience, ideally in litigation against or on behalf of federal or state governments or regulatory advocacy.
Counsel: minimum 6‑7 years of relevant legal experience under similar criteria.
Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research and drafting legal documents.
Familiarity with legal doctrines applicable to litigation and regulatory advocacy involving federal and/or state governments.
Experience developing affirmative litigation, researching theories, and building factual records.
Collaboration skills in a relatively flat hierarchical structure.
Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines.
Proficiency in new issue areas and analytical approaches.
Relationship management with clients and partners.
Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
May require occasional travel for team retreats, conferences or organizational meetings.
Might involve long periods of sitting and computer work; reasonable accommodations provided.
Compensation and Benefits Salary range for Senior Staff Attorney positions: $135,000 – $145,000. Salary range for Counsel positions: $155,000 – $165,000+. These ranges are based on years of relevant experience and seniority.
Equal Opportunity Employer Democracy Forward Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, women, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All lawyer positions require a law degree and active bar membership. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr