The States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization focused on the critical role states play in election protection, is hiring a Senior Counsel to join our Legal team and support the Rule of Law work of the Legal department. The ideal candidate will have federal agency or department experience in a leadership or management role, experience as Congressional committee counsel, and/or experience working on issues related to the interplay between federal, state, and local authority or constraints on federal authority, including the Administrative Procedures Act.
About the Organization:
The States United Democracy Center is a nonpartisan organization advancing free, fair, and secure elections and the rule of law. We connect state and local officials, law enforcement leaders, and pro-democracy partners across America with the tools and expertise they need to safeguard democracy. We are guided by a bipartisan Advisory Board of former state and federal officials, issue experts, and law enforcement leaders from both major political parties who are committed to protecting the will of the people and the rule of law.
Job Overview:
The Senior Counsel is a core member of the organization’s legal program reporting to a Program Director. The Senior Counsel partners with a team of internal and external lawyers and policy experts to analyze laws relating to the interplay between federal, state, and local authority and constraints on federal action, including the Administrative Procedures Act and provides legal guidance to the organization and state officials to effectively meet clients’ needs.
This role is expected to contribute to the oversight, guidance and mentorship of more junior attorneys and legal interns, fellows, outside counsel and outside consultants.
Responsibilities:
- Perform all duties in accordance with States United’s values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
- Maintain high-quality relationships with clients by exercising sound and careful judgment, a commitment to client confidentiality, professionalism, follow-through, and reliability.
- Proactively identify clients’ needs and organizational ability to meet them.
- Conduct legal research and provide guidance and analysis of, and litigate as needed, laws relating to upholding democracy and the rule of law, including the interplay between federal, state, and local authority and constraints on federal authority; analyze related bills, laws, and legal activity; and recommend legal, research, and policy actions.
- Produce complete and highly polished work product reflecting a high level of rigor and clarity, in a timely/urgent manner.
- Provide technical assistance and expert legal and strategic advice to the Chief Executive Officer, Board members, stakeholders, partners, coalition members and others who seek assistance from States United.
- In response to developments in the field, synthesize legal, policy, and practical guidance into concise resources for States United stakeholders and clients.
- Work with colleagues in other departments to analyze legal issues and develop public education and other materials on democracy protection and rule of law, including drafting and/or reviewing policy reports, white papers, and press materials.
- Develop, oversee and manage work with outside experts, consultants, law firms, and lawyers.
- Help ensure effective flow of information to key stakeholders within the organization, such as through active engagement in regularly scheduled meetings, presentations on ongoing research priorities and findings, and convening meetings to discuss emerging issues.
- Contribute to strategic planning and prioritization of work within state or lane of work.
- Help manage, mentor, and develop Counsel, fellows, and student interns.
- Contribute to hiring processes and onboarding of new hires.
- Occasionally contribute to public communications, such as press releases and interviews, on behalf of States United.
- May assist Development team with specific requests, such as preparation for donor briefings and funding proposals.
Minimum Requirements:
- Attorney/JD with an active license and a minimum of 12 years of post-law school experience.
- Demonstrated ability to independently identify, conceptualize, lead, and manage significant public interest and/or government-related legal work.
- Excellent client/relationship management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
- Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as necessary.
- Outstanding judgment about case/legal issues, project management/organizational issues, professional demeanor, and client service.
- Outstanding writing and editing skills, including drafting and editing complex legal analysis and briefs.
- Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
- Must be able to commit to a minimum of 15% travel time.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in the federal government, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, or other federal agency or department, or as Congressional committee counsel.
- Experience working on or familiarity with issues related to the interplay between federal, state, and local authority and/or constraints on federal authority, including the Administrative Procedures Act.
- Experience working with state officials, including governors or attorneys general.
- Experience overseeing, developing, and mentoring junior attorneys and staff, and administering programs.
We encourage individuals to submit their application for consideration even if they believe they do not have all the preferred qualifications.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Salary for this position will be $170,000+ commensurate to experience.
- Benefits include 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off.
We have offices located in Boston, MA, Brooklyn, NY, and Washington, DC. This position may also be remote within the United States, with travel to meet clients and attend organizational and team meetings and conferences, and other travel as needed.
States United Democracy Center is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
Compensation$170,000+ DOE
