Democracy Forward

Senior Staff Attorney / Counsel

WASHINGTON, DCPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Democracy Forward Foundation

  • Job overview

    The Senior Staff Attorney / Counsel role at Democracy Forward Foundation involves leading litigation and regulatory advocacy to promote pro-democracy and progressive policies.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The attorney will lead or co-counsel federal and state litigation, develop client and coalition partnerships, represent clients in regulatory processes, draft legal documents, monitor policy issues, mentor junior staff, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The salary range is $125,000 - $135,000 for Senior Staff Attorney and $145,000 - $155,000+ for Counsel, with a competitive, transparent benefits package.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates must have a J.D., active bar membership, legal research and drafting experience, familiarity with litigation and regulatory advocacy, client development skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

  • Career development

    Opportunities include mentoring junior staff and contributing to a collaborative, inclusive team environment with potential for growth in mission-driven legal work.

  • Work environment and culture

    The company values diversity, inclusivity, and a just workplace culture, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and fostering a supportive team environment.

  • Company information

    Democracy Forward Foundation focuses on advancing democracy and progressive policies through litigation and regulatory engagement.

  • Team overview

    The attorney will work collaboratively with senior lawyers, staff professionals, and external partners in a relatively flat hierarchy.

  • Application process

    Applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress, highlighting relevant experience and commitment to the role.

  • Unique job features

    The role offers unique opportunities to engage in impactful pro-democracy litigation and regulatory advocacy with a mission-driven organization.

Company overview

Democracy Forward is a nonprofit legal organization that focuses on challenging unlawful government actions and policies through litigation and advocacy. They make money primarily through donations, grants, and funding from philanthropic organizations. Founded in 2017, Democracy Forward has played a crucial role in holding government entities accountable, often working on high-profile cases that impact public policy and governance. Their mission is to ensure that government actions adhere to the law and protect democratic principles.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in state or federal litigation, focusing on skills such as researching claims, drafting complaints and briefs, and courtroom participation to align with Democracy Forward's emphasis on litigation and regulatory engagement.

  • Emphasize your familiarity with the federal regulatory process, including notice-and-comment rulemaking and agency advocacy, as well as your ability to manage client development and coalition partnerships, demonstrating your readiness for the key responsibilities outlined.

  • Apply through multiple channels, including Democracy Forward Foundation’s official careers page and LinkedIn job postings, to maximize your application visibility and increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters.

  • Connect with attorneys or legal staff within Democracy Forward on LinkedIn by sending personalized messages that reference recent litigation or regulatory initiatives the organization has undertaken, or by expressing genuine interest in their mission to promote pro-democracy policies, using these as ice breakers to build rapport.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'litigation strategy,' 'federal regulatory process,' 'client development,' 'coalition management,' and 'legal research and drafting' to ensure your resume passes automated screenings.

  • Leverage Jennie Johnson’s Power Apply feature to automate application submissions, tailor your resume for ATS, identify multiple application portals, and find relevant contacts at Democracy Forward, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for interviews and networking effectively.

Jennie Johnson works for you!

Here’s what we do to make sure you’re successful:

  • Targeted Resume Revamp:

    We expertly craft your resume to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and showcase your qualifications, making you stand out as a top-tier candidate.

  • Job Description Dissection:

    Unpack the job posting with expert analysis, ensuring your application hits every key requirement.

  • Bespoke Cover Letter:

    Capture the attention of hiring managers with a personalized cover letter that highlights how your skills align perfectly with the job's needs.

  • Interview Mastery:

    Prepare for interviews like a pro with likely questions, strategic answers, and insightful questions for you to ask, setting you apart as an informed candidate.

  • Direct Application Insights:

    Receive tailored advice on the best places to apply, ensuring your applications are seen by the right employers.

  • Skills and Gaps Assessment:

    Identify and close critical skills gaps to position yourself as the best-fit candidate for your ideal job.

  • Personalized Email Pitch:

    Make a memorable first impression with an email template crafted to engage potential employers and initiate meaningful conversations.

  • In-depth Research Guide:

    Leverage comprehensive research tools to gather effective insights on companies, industry trends, and role-specific challenges.

  • Detailed Company Analysis:

    Gain in-depth understanding of your prospective employer, giving you the edge in applications and interviews.

  • Strategic Candidate Overview:

    Understand your unique value and why companies would want to interview you, highlighting your background and positioning.