Senior Counsel

Position Summary: Democracy Forward Foundation is seeking attorneys to carry out its mission to promote pro-democracy and progressive policies and ideals via litigation and regulatory engagement. The ideal candidates will have experience with one or more of the following: State or federal litigation, including investigating and researching potential claims, drafting complaints, briefs, and 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 This position is full-time. Democracy Forward’s office is located in Washington, DC. While this position offers flexibility to work remotely, it requires regular in-office presence eight (8) times per month (averaging 2 times per week) to effectively support the nature of the role. 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. The Senior Counsel will report to Managing Attorney and work closely with all staff across the legal team. Key Responsibilities: 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 rulemakings, 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 rulemaking 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. Qualifications: 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 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 rulemaking), in a professional, timely, and self