Protect Democracy
Remote
Protect Democracy seeks highly motivated lawyers to join our team as Counsel. In this role, you will develop and contribute to legal strategies in key areas relevant to our mission of preventing our democracy from declining toward a more authoritarian form of government. From idea generation through all stages of planning and execution, Counsel work on creative impact litigation and other projects that integrate legal, policy, and communications strategies. Counsel also have opportunities to draw on our expert and advisory networks for guidance and support and to supervise and mentor law students.
The ideal candidate brings at least four years of experience as an attorney, along with exceptional legal, analytical, and communications skills applicable to a range of advocacy strategies; entrepreneurial legal instincts and an ability to generate impactful ideas; and strong external relationship skills. We anticipate that incoming Counsel will be initially assigned to work in one of the following areas (though assignments may shift over time as the mission demands): combating disinformation, protecting free and fair elections, or advancing electoral system reforms. Protect Democracy recognizes that there is strength in diversity, and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply. Counsel can work from any location in the United States.
We expect to hire multiple candidates for this role, and as a result, we do not expect that any one candidate will have all of the ideal criteria listed below. If you think you’d be a stellar fit and could grow into the role, we want to hear from you.
As Counsel, you will:
Research, draft, and edit pleadings, motions, and other briefs filed in impact litigation related to our mission.
Participate in and manage discovery, including informal fact-finding and evidence gathering, document review, witness interviews, written discovery practice, depositions, and expert discovery.
Research and devise innovative legal arguments and potential litigation approaches, and help build our expertise as thought leaders on legal issues within the scope of our mission.
Develop ideas for litigation, policy reform, and other integrated advocacy projects consistent with our mission.
Work with the communications team to draft editorials and opinion pieces and develop communication strategies to build support for legal and advocacy strategies.
Work alongside policy advocates to develop and advance legislative and other advocacy proposals.
Job requirements
The ideal candidate brings:
A passionate commitment to the preservation of democratic norms and institutions, and an understanding that our democracy has never fully represented communities of color.
An embrace of a cross-ideological and nonpartisan approach to protecting our democracy.
Exceptional analytical skills and writing and presentation skills directed at both lawyer and nonlawyer audiences.
Ability to track, prioritize, and, where necessary, triage work in order to use time in the most efficient and productive way.
Comfort with an open and transparent culture that values constant feedback up, down and sideways.
Collaborative orientation, including willingness to take on tasks big or small as needed to advance our mission, and ability to work well with people with diverse backgrounds and to manage up, down, and sideways.
Comfort working in a growing organization, proactively working to build the organization and figure out what’s needed to move your work forward.
Requirements
At least four years of legal experience (which can include judicial clerkships).
A background in constitutional law, administrative law, and/or election law is preferred, but not required.
Experience in impact litigation or representing plaintiffs in civil litigation is preferred, but not required.
Experience supporting policy advocacy is preferred, but not required.
Bar membership in good standing in the jurisdiction of your residence.
Compensation
The starting salary range for this role for candidates with more than 4 years of legal experience is $116,682 – $137,272, and for candidates with more than 10 years of legal experience is $155,153 - $182,533, commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience, capabilities and skills and in alignment with internal equity.
About Protect Democracy
Flexible location. You can work from any location in the United States as long as your location allows you to complete the demands of the position and mission. All staff are required to travel at least two times per year to internal team retreats. (Accommodations to this requirement will be made only in exceptional circumstances.) We currently have staff in Washington, DC, New York, Massachusetts, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Utah, Kentucky, Washington, Florida, Illinois, Arizona, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, Colorado, Maryland, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas. We offer shared workspaces in many of these locations for staff members who enjoy working in an office environment.
Commitment to a diverse workplace. Protect Democracy is an equal opportunity employer by choice. Our culture principles emphasize that there is strength in diversity as we believe diverse teams are more innovative, creative, and productive. Protect Democracy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
Competitive pay and phenomenal benefits. In addition to a competitive salary, our benefits package includes an unlimited vacation and sick leave policy, along with 12 paid holidays, 4 weeks of paid family medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately, full coverage for an excellent health care plan that includes both dental and vision insurance, long-term disability and life insurance for all employees, a home office stipend, and as budget allows, discretionary bonuses.
Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on providing mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.
To apply for this position
Please complete the application linked here . As part of your application, you will be asked to upload your resume and cover letter as PDFs. Applications missing any of the required materials will be considered incomplete and not reviewed. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Protect Democracy seeks highly motivated lawyers to join our team as Counsel. In this role, you will develop and contribute to legal strategies in key areas relevant to our mission of preventing our democracy from declining toward a more authoritarian form of government. From idea generation through all stages of planning and execution, Counsel work on creative impact litigation and other projects that integrate legal, policy, and communications strategies. Counsel also have opportunities to draw on our expert and advisory networks for guidance and support and to supervise and mentor law students.
The ideal candidate brings at least four years of experience as an attorney, along with exceptional legal, analytical, and communications skills applicable to a range of advocacy strategies; entrepreneurial legal instincts and an ability to generate impactful ideas; and strong external relationship skills. We anticipate that incoming Counsel will be initially assigned to work in one of the following areas (though assignments may shift over time as the mission demands): combating disinformation, protecting free and fair elections, or advancing electoral system reforms. Protect Democracy recognizes that there is strength in diversity, and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply. Counsel can work from any location in the United States.
We expect to hire multiple candidates for this role, and as a result, we do not expect that any one candidate will have all of the ideal criteria listed below. If you think you’d be a stellar fit and could grow into the role, we want to hear from you.
As Counsel, you will:
Research, draft, and edit pleadings, motions, and other briefs filed in impact litigation related to our mission.
Participate in and manage discovery, including informal fact-finding and evidence gathering, document review, witness interviews, written discovery practice, depositions, and expert discovery.
Research and devise innovative legal arguments and potential litigation approaches, and help build our expertise as thought leaders on legal issues within the scope of our mission.
Develop ideas for litigation, policy reform, and other integrated advocacy projects consistent with our mission.
Work with the communications team to draft editorials and opinion pieces and develop communication strategies to build support for legal and advocacy strategies.
Work alongside policy advocates to develop and advance legislative and other advocacy proposals.
Job requirements
The ideal candidate brings:
A passionate commitment to the preservation of democratic norms and institutions, and an understanding that our democracy has never fully represented communities of color.
An embrace of a cross-ideological and nonpartisan approach to protecting our democracy.
Exceptional analytical skills and writing and presentation skills directed at both lawyer and nonlawyer audiences.
Ability to track, prioritize, and, where necessary, triage work in order to use time in the most efficient and productive way.
Comfort with an open and transparent culture that values constant feedback up, down and sideways.
Collaborative orientation, including willingness to take on tasks big or small as needed to advance our mission, and ability to work well with people with diverse backgrounds and to manage up, down, and sideways.
Comfort working in a growing organization, proactively working to build the organization and figure out what’s needed to move your work forward.
Requirements
At least four years of legal experience (which can include judicial clerkships).
A background in constitutional law, administrative law, and/or election law is preferred, but not required.
Experience in impact litigation or representing plaintiffs in civil litigation is preferred, but not required.
Experience supporting policy advocacy is preferred, but not required.
Bar membership in good standing in the jurisdiction of your residence.
Compensation
The starting salary range for this role for candidates with more than 4 years of legal experience is $116,682 – $137,272, and for candidates with more than 10 years of legal experience is $155,153 - $182,533, commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience, capabilities and skills and in alignment with internal equity.
About Protect Democracy
Flexible location. You can work from any location in the United States as long as your location allows you to complete the demands of the position and mission. All staff are required to travel at least two times per year to internal team retreats. (Accommodations to this requirement will be made only in exceptional circumstances.) We currently have staff in Washington, DC, New York, Massachusetts, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Utah, Kentucky, Washington, Florida, Illinois, Arizona, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, Colorado, Maryland, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas. We offer shared workspaces in many of these locations for staff members who enjoy working in an office environment.
Commitment to a diverse workplace. Protect Democracy is an equal opportunity employer by choice. Our culture principles emphasize that there is strength in diversity as we believe diverse teams are more innovative, creative, and productive. Protect Democracy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
Competitive pay and phenomenal benefits. In addition to a competitive salary, our benefits package includes an unlimited vacation and sick leave policy, along with 12 paid holidays, 4 weeks of paid family medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately, full coverage for an excellent health care plan that includes both dental and vision insurance, long-term disability and life insurance for all employees, a home office stipend, and as budget allows, discretionary bonuses.
Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on providing mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.
To apply for this position
Please complete the application linked here . As part of your application, you will be asked to upload your resume and cover letter as PDFs. Applications missing any of the required materials will be considered incomplete and not reviewed. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
League of Conservation Voters
Flexible
Title: Assistant General Counsel
Department : Legal & Strategic Initiatives
Status : Exempt
Reports To: General Counsel & SVP of Strategic Initiatives
Positions Reporting to this Position: Law Clerk
Location : Flexible
Union Position: No
Job Classification Level : M-I
Salary Range (depending on experience) : $85,000-100,000
General Description :
LCV believes our earth is worth fighting for because everyone has a right to clean air, water, and a safe, healthy community. To ensure those rights are protected, we help people use their power to shape policy, hold politicians and polluters accountable, and influence elections.
Our over 2 million members, our volunteers and staff, and our more than 30 state affiliates (together, the Conservation Voter Movement) work for a more just and equitable democracy, where people—not polluters—determine our future. This movement is an influential network in Washington, DC, in state capitals, and in communities around the country.
LCV is hiring an Assistant General Counsel who will be responsible for providing legal counsel and guidance of all LCV family organizations, including a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, a connected federal political action committee, two independent expenditure-only PACs, and two non-federal 527s. The Assistant General Counsel will serve as the primary employment and labor attorney within the Legal & Strategic Initiatives department, joining two attorneys who lead the organizations’ legal compliance and risk management efforts. The role will also manage a portfolio of additional issue areas including immigration, intellectual property, cybersecurity and data privacy, insurance and other risk management matters. The ideal candidate brings expertise in key legal issue areas, and is an effective communicator who will embed equity throughout their work.
Responsibilities :
Act as a key advisor on all employee relations and labor management matters by providing day-to-day legal advice and counseling on a wide range of activities and programs related to employment, labor and human resources matters.
Provide legal counsel on all aspects of employment-related advice, including issues related to Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other federal and state employment laws.
Conduct and assist in internal investigations, in collaboration with the Human Resources team and other departments, including but not limited to anti-harassment, EEO, and grievances, and help resolve employee relations issues and complaints.
Serve as primary lead within the department for immigration, intellectual property, and cybersecurity matters, working with outside counsel as appropriate.
Center racial justice and equity in the design and execution of work, staff engagement, and leadership, and contribute to the goal of becoming an anti-racist organization.
Draft and advise on the content of contractual documents, including consulting agreements, operations-side contracts, nondisclosure agreements, liability and other release forms, and severance agreements.
Handle issues relating to interactions with federal and state government agencies relating to employment and employment matters, including subpoenas and information requests.
Oversee and coordinate all legal matters handled by outside counsel related to employment, labor, immigration, intellectual property, and cybersecurity matters.
Track laws, regulations, and litigation that affect the organization's Human Resources and operational policies, and collaborate with the Human Resources team in drafting organizational and personnel policies and procedures in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and that apply a racial justice & equity lens.
Develop subject-matter expertise on organizational policies and procedures and deliver training for staff on a variety of topics, with a focus on employment law, that are designed to instill organizational values and accountability.
Monitor activities that relate to state affiliates and provide guidance on joint activities, including joint employment.
Lead or participate in other special projects and initiatives as assigned.
Provide and implement suggestions to increase efficiency and effectiveness of office procedures.
Recruit and supervise law clerk(s).
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications :
Education: JD degree from an accredited law school; bar membership in good standing in at least one state required.
Work Experience:
Required : 2-5 years of legal experience with the range of federal, state, and local laws that govern employment relationships in the workplace, such as anti-discrimination and anti-harassment law, wage and hour law, family and medical leave and sick and safe leave laws, and labor law, as well as with workplace compliance issues such as obligations under express and implied employment contracts and best practices for handling discipline and separations.
Strongly Preferred : Experience conducting employment and/or labor investigations in adherence to laws and regulations, corporate policies, and collective bargaining grievance procedures.
Preferred : Familiarity with tax exempt organization law and issues around employee/cost sharing and joint employment. Familiarity with immigration law.
Skills:
Required - Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to translate legal concepts effectively with non-lawyers. Demonstrates expertise in a variety of legal field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Demonstrated relationship building skills; solid judgment; critical thinking skills; a sense of teamwork and community; ability to handle multiple tasks; highly organized. Ability to participate effectively in fact-finding investigations, present findings and develop related recommendations. Deep understanding of structural and institutional inequity and interpersonal power dynamics and the interplay with our legal system. Demonstrated ability to build relationships with staff at all levels, and to maintain confidentiality and discretion. Strong legal research and writing competencies, including Westlaw competency, with ability to draft, review, revise and edit documents in Word, Excel, Google Drive and PowerPoint. Ability to work under pressure under multiple deadlines.
Preferred - Spanish language competency a plus.
Cultural Competence: Demonstrated awareness of one’s own cultural identity, views about difference, and the ability to learn and build on varying cultural and community norms. A commitment to the complex understanding of racial justice and the urgency of confronting institutional racism and inequity within our political system. Commitment to equity and inclusion as organizational practice and culture. Understanding of the ways in which principles of racial justice and equity are vital to addressing climate change effectively.
Conditions: Able to work hours in excess of stated office hours as needed; ability and willingness to travel potentially up to 10% of time. Please note that all LCV staff are currently working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To Apply : Send cover letter and resume to hr@lcv.org with “Assistant General Counsel” in the subject line no later than March 7, 2021. No phone calls please.
LCV is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a racially just, equitable and inclusive workplace.
Title: Assistant General Counsel
Department : Legal & Strategic Initiatives
Status : Exempt
Reports To: General Counsel & SVP of Strategic Initiatives
Positions Reporting to this Position: Law Clerk
Location : Flexible
Union Position: No
Job Classification Level : M-I
Salary Range (depending on experience) : $85,000-100,000
General Description :
LCV believes our earth is worth fighting for because everyone has a right to clean air, water, and a safe, healthy community. To ensure those rights are protected, we help people use their power to shape policy, hold politicians and polluters accountable, and influence elections.
Our over 2 million members, our volunteers and staff, and our more than 30 state affiliates (together, the Conservation Voter Movement) work for a more just and equitable democracy, where people—not polluters—determine our future. This movement is an influential network in Washington, DC, in state capitals, and in communities around the country.
LCV is hiring an Assistant General Counsel who will be responsible for providing legal counsel and guidance of all LCV family organizations, including a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, a connected federal political action committee, two independent expenditure-only PACs, and two non-federal 527s. The Assistant General Counsel will serve as the primary employment and labor attorney within the Legal & Strategic Initiatives department, joining two attorneys who lead the organizations’ legal compliance and risk management efforts. The role will also manage a portfolio of additional issue areas including immigration, intellectual property, cybersecurity and data privacy, insurance and other risk management matters. The ideal candidate brings expertise in key legal issue areas, and is an effective communicator who will embed equity throughout their work.
Responsibilities :
Act as a key advisor on all employee relations and labor management matters by providing day-to-day legal advice and counseling on a wide range of activities and programs related to employment, labor and human resources matters.
Provide legal counsel on all aspects of employment-related advice, including issues related to Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other federal and state employment laws.
Conduct and assist in internal investigations, in collaboration with the Human Resources team and other departments, including but not limited to anti-harassment, EEO, and grievances, and help resolve employee relations issues and complaints.
Serve as primary lead within the department for immigration, intellectual property, and cybersecurity matters, working with outside counsel as appropriate.
Center racial justice and equity in the design and execution of work, staff engagement, and leadership, and contribute to the goal of becoming an anti-racist organization.
Draft and advise on the content of contractual documents, including consulting agreements, operations-side contracts, nondisclosure agreements, liability and other release forms, and severance agreements.
Handle issues relating to interactions with federal and state government agencies relating to employment and employment matters, including subpoenas and information requests.
Oversee and coordinate all legal matters handled by outside counsel related to employment, labor, immigration, intellectual property, and cybersecurity matters.
Track laws, regulations, and litigation that affect the organization's Human Resources and operational policies, and collaborate with the Human Resources team in drafting organizational and personnel policies and procedures in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and that apply a racial justice & equity lens.
Develop subject-matter expertise on organizational policies and procedures and deliver training for staff on a variety of topics, with a focus on employment law, that are designed to instill organizational values and accountability.
Monitor activities that relate to state affiliates and provide guidance on joint activities, including joint employment.
Lead or participate in other special projects and initiatives as assigned.
Provide and implement suggestions to increase efficiency and effectiveness of office procedures.
Recruit and supervise law clerk(s).
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications :
Education: JD degree from an accredited law school; bar membership in good standing in at least one state required.
Work Experience:
Required : 2-5 years of legal experience with the range of federal, state, and local laws that govern employment relationships in the workplace, such as anti-discrimination and anti-harassment law, wage and hour law, family and medical leave and sick and safe leave laws, and labor law, as well as with workplace compliance issues such as obligations under express and implied employment contracts and best practices for handling discipline and separations.
Strongly Preferred : Experience conducting employment and/or labor investigations in adherence to laws and regulations, corporate policies, and collective bargaining grievance procedures.
Preferred : Familiarity with tax exempt organization law and issues around employee/cost sharing and joint employment. Familiarity with immigration law.
Skills:
Required - Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to translate legal concepts effectively with non-lawyers. Demonstrates expertise in a variety of legal field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Demonstrated relationship building skills; solid judgment; critical thinking skills; a sense of teamwork and community; ability to handle multiple tasks; highly organized. Ability to participate effectively in fact-finding investigations, present findings and develop related recommendations. Deep understanding of structural and institutional inequity and interpersonal power dynamics and the interplay with our legal system. Demonstrated ability to build relationships with staff at all levels, and to maintain confidentiality and discretion. Strong legal research and writing competencies, including Westlaw competency, with ability to draft, review, revise and edit documents in Word, Excel, Google Drive and PowerPoint. Ability to work under pressure under multiple deadlines.
Preferred - Spanish language competency a plus.
Cultural Competence: Demonstrated awareness of one’s own cultural identity, views about difference, and the ability to learn and build on varying cultural and community norms. A commitment to the complex understanding of racial justice and the urgency of confronting institutional racism and inequity within our political system. Commitment to equity and inclusion as organizational practice and culture. Understanding of the ways in which principles of racial justice and equity are vital to addressing climate change effectively.
Conditions: Able to work hours in excess of stated office hours as needed; ability and willingness to travel potentially up to 10% of time. Please note that all LCV staff are currently working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To Apply : Send cover letter and resume to hr@lcv.org with “Assistant General Counsel” in the subject line no later than March 7, 2021. No phone calls please.
LCV is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a racially just, equitable and inclusive workplace.