Counsel

Summary

Join Protect Democracy as Counsel and contribute to legal strategies safeguarding free speech, the free press, and American democracy from technology-related abuses. You will develop and implement legal strategies, engage in impact litigation, and collaborate with various teams. The ideal candidate possesses at least 10 years of legal experience, expertise in First Amendment law, and strong analytical and communication skills. Remote work is available from any US location. Protect Democracy values diversity and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2025.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of legal experience (which can include judicial clerkships), with particular experience in First Amendment law and/or law and policy relating to media, technology, and telecommunications
• Bar membership in good standing in the jurisdiction of your residence

Responsibilities

• Research and devise innovative legal arguments and potential litigation approaches
• Help build our expertise as thought leaders on legal issues within the scope of our mission (specifically legal issues relating to the First Amendment, media, and technology)
• Develop, influence, and drive complex strategies for litigation, policy reform, and other integrated advocacy projects consistent with our mission
• Research, draft, and edit pleadings, motions, and other briefs filed in impact litigation
• Participate in and manage discovery processes, including informal fact-finding and evidence gathering, document review, witness interviews, written discovery practice, depositions, and expert discovery
• 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
• Contribute to culture-building initiatives across the organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in impact litigation or representing plaintiffs in civil litigation
• Experience supporting policy advocacy
• 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, writing, and presentation skills directed at both legal and non-legal audiences
• Ability to track, prioritize, and—where necessary—triage a diverse set of responsibilities to use time efficiently and productively
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down and sideways
• Collaborative orientation and a willingness to take on tasks big or small as needed to advance our mission
• Enthusiasm for working with people with diverse backgrounds
• Excellent, proactive project management skills and comfort managing up, down, and sideways accordingly
• Rigorous attention to detail and the highest standards for excellence in execution

Benefits

• Unlimited sick leave and a flexible vacation policy where we encourage team members to take 4-5 weeks every year
• 12 paid holidays
• 4 weeks of paid family medical leave
• 18 weeks of paid parental leave
• 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
• Home office stipend
• Discretionary bonuses (as budget allows)
• 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