Counsel (Rule of Law)

The States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization focused on the critical role states play in election protection, is hiring a Counsel to join our Legal team and support the Rule of Law work of the Legal department.

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 Counsel will work with a strong and dedicated team of internal and external attorneys, policy experts, and researchers to analyze the interplay between federal, state, and local authority, examine laws relating to constraints on federal action (including the Administrative Procedure Act), provide legal guidance to the organization and state officials, and bring and support litigation or other legal actions to protect the Rule of Law.

Responsibilities: 

• Contribute to a healthy and vibrant team and organizational culture.  

• Support all aspects of States United’s accountability work, including litigation, analysis of federal agency actions, and investigations into criminal and civil violations related to the Rule of Law.  

• Conduct legal and factual research in support of litigation, policy advocacy, and related initiatives.

• Support litigation in state and federal courts around the country, working closely with other States United attorneys and co-counsel.

• Help manage legal assistants and legal interns on projects.  

• Provide expert legal advice to clients, Senior Counsels, and the Executive team, stakeholders, partners, coalition members, and others who seek our assistance.  

• Collaborate with other departments, with partner organizations, and with state and local officials around the country.  

• Work with a robust pro bono legal representation program, including outside law firms and lawyers.  

Minimum Requirements: 

• A positive attitude, concern for people and community, presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability.

• Admission to at least one state bar.

• Ability to support significant public interest litigation and investigative work.

• Team player who can partner and collaborate with other attorneys and coordinate with internal and external legal teams.

• Excellent critical thinking skills with an ability to creatively develop and execute thoughtful solutions to complex problems.

• Outstanding writing and editing skills, including drafting and editing briefs and other forms of legal analysis.

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize and mobilize appropriate resources to accomplish objectives.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 2 years of experience working on complex civil, criminal, or public interest litigation and/or experience working on legislative analysis.

• Experience working with state officials, such as governors, attorneys general, or state legislatures.

• Experience bringing or supporting litigation under the Administrative Procedure Act or state equivalents. 

• Experience working on issues related to the Rule of Law, including (but not limited to) abuses of prosecutorial discretion, unconstitutional conditions on federal funds, and violations of state sovereignty by the federal government.

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 range for this position begins at $95,000 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.

Salary : $95,000