ILTA Career Center

Democracy Forward is seeking an attorney to carry out its mission to promote pro-democracy and progressive policies and ideals via litigation and regulatory engagement. The ideal candidate will have experience with either state or federal litigation, including investigating and researching potential claims, drafting complaints, briefs, and supporting documents, and participating in hearings and arguments. The ideal candidate will also have experience with client development and coalition work. Experience engaging in the federal regulatory process—either via litigation or the notice and comment process—is considered a plus. 

• Serve as lead or co-counsel in proceedings in federal and state courts, including advising clients on litigation strategy, risks, and objective, and carrying out all aspects of litigation from case initiation through appeal. This includes representing Democracy Forward and external clients in litigation handled entirely by Democracy Forward 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’s cases.
• Agency advocacy: represent clients before federal agencies in developing progressive policy via the regulatory process including rulemakings, agency hearings, and agency meetings. 
• Drafting 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 policy areas: monitor relevant policy issues to identify instances where Democracy Forward 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 staff. This includes appropriate and timely feedback - both providing and receiving.
• Contribute affirmatively to a workplace culture of inclusion and equity. 

Democracy Forward provides a competitive, lockstep and transparent compensation and benefits package. Democracy Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply.

Qualifications - You are encouraged to apply if you have any combination of these skills. 

•  J.D. from an accredited law school. 
• Active and in good standing membership in the bar of the  District of Columbia or ability to become admitted in D.C..
• At least 2 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 has a competitive, lock-step compensation structure for its lawyers. 
• Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research and drafting of legal documents, including answers, motions and other court filings in a professional, timely, and self-directed manner.
• Experience working independently and having primary responsibility for matters.
• Familiarity with legal doctrines applicable to litigation and/or regulatory advocacy involving federal and/or state governments. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully on a team of attorney and staff professionals in a relatively flat hierarchical structure. 
• Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines; must be able to work well both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to become proficient in new issue areas and contribute to creative, rigorous, analytical approaches to address them.
• Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds. 
• Commitment to workplace inclusion and ability to contribute affirmatively to a just and equitable workplace culture.