Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Counsel/Senior Counsel - Voting Rights Project

Washington DC, DC
Full Time
Voting Rights Project
Experienced
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Job Title: Senior Counsel/Counsel
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Affiliation: Union
Accountable to: Director, Voting Rights Project

About the Role:
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

The Senior Counsel/Counsel in the Voting Rights Project (VRP) will support three (3) areas:
  • Litigation - Protect equal and unfettered access to the ballot by all eligible voters, particularly those traditionally disfranchised, and oppose discriminatory redistricting.
  • Election Protection – Support the nation’s largest, non-partisan voter protection program, which works year-round to address barriers to the ballot box.
  • Programmatic Activities - Promote voting rights through written and oral advocacy, participation in webinars and other events, and support for partner organizations.
The Senior Counsel/Counsel works under the supervision of the Director of the Voting Rights Project.

What You’ll be Doing:
Responsibilities of Senior Counsel/Counsel include but are not limited to:
  • Leading and participating in litigation before federal and state trial and appellate courts throughout the country.
  • Leading and participating in all stages of litigation, from drafting pleadings and briefs to conducting discovery to advocating in court.
  • Investigating matters and developing new cases.
  • Preparing amicus briefs.
  • Collaborating and coordinating with the Director and other attorneys in the Voting Rights Project on litigation and the development of the overall VRP strategy.
  • Providing legal support to implement the programmatic work of the Project, including Election Protection.
  • Providing guidance to more junior lawyers, as needed.
  • Engaging in public speaking and other advocacy on voting rights.
  • Demonstrating a commitment to diversity within and outside the office and an ability to implement a community-driven approach to the work.
  • Travel as needed.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:
  • Deep commitment to the advancement of racial justice and civil rights.
  • Licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia, or the ability to waive in.
  • At least 7 years of legal experience, including litigation experience, for Counsel position and 9 years of such experience for Senior Counsel position.
  • Demonstrated excellence in legal writing and commitment to written advocacy of the highest quality.
  • Strong oral communication skills.
  • Excellent legal, analytical, and research skills.
  • Demonstrated initiative in developing complex civil rights litigation.
  • Significant experience with taking and/or defending depositions.
  • Experience with trial work in complex federal civil rights litigation.
  • Expertise in voting rights law.
  • Organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle a multitude of tasks.
  • Ability to develop, maintain, and enhance relationships with diverse groups and coalitions.
  • Comfort in working in a diverse environment.


Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend. 

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union. Employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

The expected range for this role will be: $104,000 - $160,500. The specific salary within this range is determined based on the candidate’s experience, including the timing of their law degree attainment. Generally, candidates who obtained their law degree more recently will start at the lower end of the scale. Candidates with more extensive experience or those who obtained their law degree earlier may be eligible for salaries towards the higher end of the scale. We are committed to providing a fair and transparent compensation structure that reflects the value and experience of our attorneys.
 
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