Overview
Rapid Response Litigation Counsel Jobs in Washington, District of Columbia, USA at Democracy Defenders Action
Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization
Full time, Exempt, Remote (preference for DC)
Organizational Overview
Democracy Defenders Action (DDA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy. DDA also provides general administration for a group of related independent entities including Democracy Defenders Fund (c3), Democracy Defenders PAC, and Democracy Defenders Projects – the home for the new media entity, The Contrarian. Democracy Defenders Action was founded in 2023 by Ambassador Norm Eisen (ret.),
alongside other leading figures in democracy defense, elections, and law, to counter the authoritarian threat to our democracy.
Role Summary
The Rapid Response Litigation Counsel will play a pivotal role in advancing DDA’s litigation and legal strategies. The role focuses on careful evaluation of the factual and legal strength of potential litigation, and, where needed and alongside DDA’s litigation team, will include participation in the early stages of the litigation itself. The ideal candidate will possess substantial litigation experience, including complaint preparation, motion practice, discovery work, and trial work.
Responsibilities
Work within DDA’s Rapid Response Team to evaluate potential litigation in cases critical to defending democracy
Conduct key litigation tasks in the early stages of litigation, where the DDA litigation team needs support
Assist with identifying and selecting plaintiffs for impactful litigation
Collaborate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external partners, including co-counsel, nonprofit allies, and external communications professionals, to coordinate legal strategy and messaging
Produce high-quality, accurate written content under tight deadlines, including legal pleadings and amicus briefs, developing the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
Draft and review talking points and other media materials for amplification of work and cases
Other tasks as needed
Desired Qualifications and Skills
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
7+ years of litigation experience, including trial advocacy and appellate work
Experience as a federal court litigator in cases involving federal government agencies and policies
Bar membership in good standing, with the ability to waive into the D.C. bar upon hiring
Ability to identify and select plaintiffs in strategic litigation
Strong research, writing, and verbal communication skills
Capacity to manage multiple cases and prioritize effectively
Discretion in handling sensitive information
Experience working in social justice litigation, nonprofit organizations, or government preferred
Proximity to Washington, D.C. is preferred, although the position is remote and may be performed from any state in the U.S. Optional in-person meetings take place semi-regularly in D.C. Work is expected in the evenings and on weekends.
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 $150,000 to $175,000, plus benefits, including a generous PTO policy. This is an exempt position.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with your last name followed by “Rapid Response Litigation Counsel” in the subject line.
Create a job alert for this search #J-18808-Ljbffr
Title: Rapid Response Litigation Counsel
Company: Democracy Defenders Action
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
Category: Law/Legal (Litigation, Legal Counsel, Lawyer, Civil Law)
