In house counsel Jobs in Washington, DC

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State Democracy Defenders Action provided pay range

This range is provided by State Democracy Defenders Action. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

110,000.00 / yr - $155,000.00 / yr

Organizational Overview

State Democracy Defenders Action (SDDA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy. SDDA also provides general administration for a group of related independent entities including State Democracy Defenders Fund (c3), Democracy Defenders PAC, and Democracy Defenders Projects–the home for the new media entity, The Contrarian. We were founded to counter the authoritarian threat to our democracy. State Democracy Defenders Action was founded in 2023 by Ambassador Norm Eisen (ret.), alongside other leading figures in democracy defense, elections, and law. SDDA launched the Contrarian which is being led by Eisen and new Editor-in Chief, Jen Rubin.

Role Summary

The Counsel / Senior Counsel will play a pivotal role in advancing SDDA’s litigation and legal strategies. The role focuses on complex litigation, including trial advocacy, appellate work, and pre-trial preparation. The ideal candidate will possess extensive litigation experience, including conducting depositions, drafting appellate briefs, selecting plaintiffs, and working closely with internal and external teams, including outside counsel. A willingness to travel when necessary is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage litigation efforts, including trial preparation, strategy, and execution in cases critical to defending democracy
• Conduct and oversee key litigation tasks such as depositions, motion practice, and drafting appellate briefs
• Identify and select plaintiffs for impactful litigation, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
• Collaborate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external partners, including co-counsel, nonprofit allies, and external communications professionals, to coordinate legal strategy and messaging
• Manage a portfolio of active cases and ensure deadlines, filings, and legal deliverables are met with precision
• Produce high-quality written content, including legal briefs, amicus filings, and litigation reports
• Proven ability to produce high-quality, accurate work under tight deadlines, effectively managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
• Provide trial support, including case analysis, evidence preparation, and courtroom advocacy
• Travel as needed for depositions, trials, appellate arguments, or collaborative strategy meetings
• Other tasks as needed

Desired Qualifications and Skills

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.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with your last name followed by Litigation Counsel in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity Employer

State 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.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $155,000, plus benefits, including a generous PTO policy. This is an exempt position.

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