Legal Director

Director of Administration and Human Resources at Better Markets

Better Markets is seeking a seasoned, dynamic senior attorney to serve in the high-profile role of Legal Director, which is a position that combines law, policy, and advocacy activities on some of the most cutting edge and critical economic issues facing the country. Americans need and deserve an economy that works for everyone, one that creates broad based growth and rising living standards leading to economic security, opportunity, and prosperity. That requires a financial system that supports the real productive economy and prioritizes Main Street interests, rather than extracting wealth from those who already have too little. The Legal Director serves as a member of a uniquely qualified staff of subject matter experts. That allow the Better Markets team to advocate for a more equitable economy by serving as a counterweight to the financial industry in the policymaking process across Washington, from the White House and Congress to regulatory agencies and the media. We bring hardworking Americans’ voices and interests to the halls of power, forcing those in power to address Main Street’s interests.

OVERVIEW

This is an exciting and rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in protecting and rebuilding an economy that makes the American Dream accessible to all Americans once again, advancing economic, social, and racial justice, and restoring transparency, oversight, and accountability in the economic and financial systems. This work impacts virtually every American because it affects everyone who rents an apartment, owns a home, has a job, a bank savings or checking account, a credit or debit card, a financial app, a mortgage or student loan, a loan of any type, or uses any financial product or service.

As Legal Director, you will shape high-impact advocacy by analyzing regulatory proposals, court actions, and market trends, and by drafting comment letters, reports, and complaints and legal briefs (often amicus briefs) that clearly explain the issues presented and advocate for necessary actions and reforms. In addition to legal proceedings, you will also engage directly with financial regulatory agencies, allied organizations, market participants, the media and the public. This position offers the opportunity to work on high profile, cutting-edge economic and financial issues as part of a team of subject-matter experts committed to protecting and promoting Main Street interests. This position reports to the Policy Director and COO.

RESPONSIBILITIES

All legal issues, lead legal strategies and oversee the legal team’s work to advance Better Markets’ mission.

Conduct sophisticated legal research in a cost-effective manner on economic and financial issues, including securities, commodities, and banking law; administrative law (including the APA); and rules governing appellate practice and amicus participation.

Draft and review comment letters, amicus briefs, motions, reports, press releases, and related filings.

Identify appropriate opportunities to intervene in cases or initiate litigation and take the necessary actions accordingly.

Oversee, mentor, and manage legal staff to ensure excellence and consistency in all legal matters.

Monitor, analyze, and report on court decisions, regulatory proposals, congressional activities, and executive actions impacting economic and financial regulatory matters.

Stay current on legal developments reported by major media outlets and legal publications.

Proofread, Shepardize, Bluebook, and ensure the accuracy of all court filings and legal work products.

Collaborate with policy, research, and communications colleagues to develop integrated advocacy strategies.

Represent Better Markets at external forums, public events, and meetings with regulators, policymakers, coalition partners, and market participants.

Engage with the media in coordination with the communications team.

Provide legal guidance to leadership on various matters, including contract negotiations with vendors and other issues that arise from time to time in the course of public interest advocacy.

Manage the legal teams’ budget.

QUALIFICATIONS

J.D. degree with 10+ years of experience in relevant legal practice.

Demonstrated expertise in securities, commodities, banking, consumer protection, or administrative law, and the federal court system.

Proven record of excellence in legal research, writing, oral advocacy, and communications generally, ideally including translating complex subjects to non-expert audiences.

Experience in appellate advocacy, amicus practice, or legal publishing (law journal or equivalent).

Strong leadership skills with prior experience managing legal professionals.

Proficiency with Westlaw, CourtLink, PACER, Word, and Excel.

Collaborative spirit with the ability to thrive as a member of a small, high-performing team in a fast-paced environment.

Commitment to public-interest advocacy and advancing economic fairness.

Experience with the media and coordinating with allied organizations and individuals is a plus.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Better Markets is a non-profit, non-partisan, and independent mission-driven organization founded in the wake of the devastating 2008 financial crisis to make sure that the interests of Main Street Americans—not Wall Street financiers and the top 10%—are the priority in economic and financial policymaking in Washington, DC. Its foremost goals are to ensure that the laws and rules enacted and enforced in Washington, DC, prevent crashes and enable an economy that empowers all Americans to succeed and thrive, not just the wealthy and well-connected. That’s why Better Markets fights for a financial system that supports the real productive economy, which will produce broad-based wealth and rising living standards, making the American Dream available to everyone.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range starts at $250,000 and is dependent upon qualifications and experience. We offer an excellent benefits package including no-monthly-contribution health insurance (dental and vision included), short- and long-term disability, a 401(k) plan with a 5% annual employer contribution, tax-deferred flexible spending accounts, vacation and sick leave, family leave, a monthly home office allowance, and commuter benefits.

LOCATION

Better Markets’ office is located in downtown Washington, D.C., conveniently close to the Blue, Silver, and Orange line stations at Foggy Bottom and Farragut North. This position is hybrid, offering both in-office and work-from-home opportunities; however, it requires the successful candidate to be based in the D.C. area.

Better Markets is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other non-work-related factors.

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