Role Summary

The Litigation Counsel or Senior Litigation Counsel will play a pivotal role in advancing DDA’s litigation and legal strategies in a variety of areas including but not limited to safeguarding elections and defending the rule of law. The role focuses primarily on litigation, including at the district court and appellate levels. The role involves all aspects of trial litigation, including pre-filing investigation, drafting complaints, motion practice, discovery, and trial preparation. The ideal candidate will possess first chair trial experience, as well as experience researching and drafting legal pleadings, conducting depositions, drafting briefs including oppositions to motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and appellate briefs, oral argument, client interaction, and working closely with external teams, including outside counsel. A willingness to travel when necessary is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead litigation efforts, including identifying emerging issues ripe for investigation and litigation;

• Lead litigation efforts, including trial preparation, strategy, and execution in cases critical to defending democracy;

• Work on key litigation tasks such as taking depositions, engaging in motions practice at the district court level, and drafting appellate briefs;

• Support trial work and participate in trials and oral arguments, including by providing case analysis, preparing witnesses, advocating in the courtroom and arguing written and oral motions in court;

• Assist with identifying, selecting, and maintaining client relationships in impact litigation;

• Collaborate with internal multidisciplinary teams as well as with external partners, including co-counsel, nonprofit allies, and external communications professionals, to coordinate legal strategy and messaging;

• Manage a portfolio of active cases with deadlines, filings, and legal deliverables are met with precision;

• Produce high-quality, accurate, and detailed written content often under significant time pressure, including drafting legal pleadings and amicus briefs;

• Effectively manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments with a high level of legal acumen and attention to detail;

• Travel as needed for depositions, trials, appellate arguments, or collaborative strategy meetings;

• Draft and review talking points and other media materials for amplification of work and cases; and

• Complete other tasks as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school;

• Minimum 6 years of litigation experience, including trial, discovery, and appellate work;

• Bar membership in good standing, with the ability to waive into the D.C. Bar upon hiring, if not already a member of the D.C. Bar;

• Experience in trial work, including taking and defending depositions, preparing witnesses, and engaging in oral advocacy in the courtroom;

• Experience drafting trial and appellate pleadings;

• Ability to identify and represent strategic litigation;

• Strong research, writing, and verbal communication skills and strong attention to detail;

• Capacity to manage multiple cases, work in a fast-paced environment, and effectively prioritize various tasks;

• Exercise discretion in handling sensitive information;

• Experience working on public interest litigation, at nonprofit organizations, in the government, as a public defender, or in a legal aid capacity a plus though not required; and

• Demonstrated commitment to protecting democracy and advancing civil rights.

The position is remote and may be performed from any state in the U.S. Optional in-person meetings take place semi-regularly in Washington D.C. Weekend and evening work may be required depending on case deadlines and other urgencies.

Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $180,000 plus benefits, including a generous PTO policy. This position is exempt.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to applications@statedemocracydefenders.org with your last name followed by “Counsel/Senior Litigation Counsel” in the subject line.