Senior Counsel; Civil Rights Focus

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 state or federal civil rights litigation, against public or private entities, including investigating and researching potential claims, client development, drafting complaints, briefs, and supporting documents, identifying and working with experts, and participating in hearings and arguments. Experience in matters involving one or more of the following statutes is preferable, but not required:

• Title VI
• Title IX
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act
• 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 2 days per week. Remote candidates within the United States will also be considered. If a candidate is outside of the DC area, travel to DC is expected 1–2 times per quarter.

Litigation:

• Serve as lead or co‑counsel in proceedings in federal and state courts, including advising clients on litigation strategy, risks, and objectives, and carrying out all aspects of litigation from case initiation through appeal. This includes representing Democracy Forward Foundation and external clients in litigation handled entirely by Democracy Forward Foundation attorneys or co‑counseling with law firms or other entities.

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 Foundation’s legal work. This includes building relationships with potential clients and other partners and supporting coalition development.

Agency Advocacy:

• Represent clients before federal agencies in developing progressive policy via the regulatory process including rule makings, agency hearings, and agency meetings.
• Draft written work product, including filings, legal memorandum, agency comments, FOIA requests, letters, and other types of advocacy materials, including but not limited to petitions for rule making and letters to agency Inspectors General.
• Monitor relevant policy issues to identify instances where Democracy Forward Foundation should consider getting involved in litigation (either affirmative litigation or as an amicus or intervenor) or in regulatory advocacy.
• Support the growth and development of junior legal staff. This includes providing appropriate and timely feedback, informal mentorship, and other opportunities for collaboration and support.
• Contribute affirmatively to a workplace culture of inclusion and equity.

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply.

• 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 the ability to become admitted in D.C.
• For Senior Counsel positions, we require at least 7 years of relevant legal experience, ideally some of which will have been on behalf of or against federal or state governments and/or advocating for clients in the federal regulatory process. Title and compensation are based on relevant experience. Democracy Forward Foundation has a competitive, lock‑step compensation structure for its lawyers.
• Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research and drafting legal documents (including court filings such as complaints, dispositive motions, and appeals, and/or regulatory filings such as comments and petitions for rule making), in a professional, timely, and self‑directed manner. Excellent writing ability is a plus.
• Familiarity with legal doctrines applicable to litigation and/or regulatory advocacy involving federal and/or state…