Job Description

Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Full time, Exempt, Remote (preference for DC)

Organizational Overview

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

Role Summary

The Rapid Response Litigation Counsel will play a pivotal role in advancing DDA’s litigation and legal strategies. The role focuses on careful evaluation of the factual and legal strength of potential litigation, and, where needed and alongside DDA’s litigation team, will include participation in the early stages of the litigation itself. The ideal candidate will possess substantial litigation experience, including complaint preparation, motion practice, discovery work, and trial work.

Responsibilities

• Work within DDA’s Rapid Response Team to evaluate potential litigation in cases critical to defending democracy
• Conduct key litigation tasks in the early stages of litigation, where the DDA litigation team needs support
• Assist with identifying and selecting plaintiffs for impactful litigation
• Collaborate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external partners, including co-counsel, nonprofit allies, and external communications professionals, to coordinate legal strategy and messaging
• Produce high-quality, accurate written content under tight deadlines, including legal pleadings and amicus briefs, developing the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
• Draft and review talking points and other media materials for amplification of work and cases
• Other tasks as needed

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• 7+ years of litigation experience, including trial advocacy and appellate work
• Experience as a federal court litigator in cases involving federal government agencies and policies
• Bar membership in good standing, with the ability to waive into the D.C. bar upon hiring
• Ability to identify and select plaintiffs in strategic litigation
• Strong research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Capacity to manage multiple cases and prioritize effectively
• Discretion in handling sensitive information
• Experience working in social justice litigation, nonprofit organizations, or government preferred

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.

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.

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000, plus benefits, including a generous PTO policy. This is an exempt position.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to applications@statedemocracydefenders.org with your last name followed by “Rapid Response Litigation Counsel” in the subject line.

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