[Hiring] Litigation Counsel @Democracy Defenders Action

Role Description

Democracy Defenders Action is seeking an experienced litigator to add expertise and capacity to support our active, pro-democracy docket and also to independently run their own portfolio of cases. This is a contract position that begins asap and runs through the end of February 2027, with the option to extend. Attorneys will be paid hourly and expected to work 20-40 hours per week, including nights and weekends.

• Manage a small portfolio of active cases and ensure deadlines, filings, and legal deliverables are met with precision.
• Conduct all phases of litigation, including pre-filing research, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, courtroom advocacy, and appeals.
• Produce high-quality, effective legal content under tight deadlines, including amicus briefs, complaints, pleadings, and appeals.
• Assist with identifying and selecting plaintiffs for impactful litigation.
• Collaborate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external partners, including co-counsel, nonprofit allies, and communications professionals, to coordinate legal strategy and messaging.
• Conduct and synthesize legal research for use in litigation case development and strategy, and in broader election safeguarding efforts.
• Complete other election safeguarding research and tasks as directed by the Director of Litigation or other DDA leadership.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Bar membership in good standing, with the ability to waive into the D.C. bar upon hiring.
• 8+ years of litigation experience.
• Election law and voting rights experience preferred.
• Experience as a prosecutor, public defender, or litigator for a nonprofit organization or government agency preferred.
• Strong research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Capacity to deliver high quality and timely work products in a high stakes and fast paced environment.
• Unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and an ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.
• Weeknight and weekend work required.
• Available to work 20+ hours per week.
• Available to travel as needed for court appearances and discovery (Travel is unlikely, but possible. DDA will cover travel-related expenses).

Benefits

• The hourly rate for this position is $135 - $205 per hour, commensurate with experience.
• This is a remote position that may be performed from any state in the U.S. We offer optional access to office space in Washington, DC.
• This role primarily supports Democracy Defenders Fund c3, with some support for Democracy Defenders Action c4.
• Preference given to candidates who apply by Oct 4 at 11:59pm ET.
• If you are unsure about applying, we encourage you to make a case as to why you are a compelling candidate. A human reviews all application materials, and we are eager to hear from candidates who may not meet all of the qualifications, who possess transferable skills, and who have non-traditional work histories.

Company Description

The Democracy Defenders family of organizations (a c3, c4, legally separate PAC, and The Contrarian) is a leader in the fight against authoritarianism, working strategically in the courts and court of public opinion to restore American democracy by: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding free and fair elections, and fighting corruption.