We strongly encourage people of color, transgender and non-binary people to apply. HRC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone, including non-LGBTQ people, to join our team. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people from marginalized communities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At HRC, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Position Summary:

The (Senior) Legislative Counsel is a full time position that reports to the Senior Director, Legal Policy and provides responsive, comprehensive and high quality legal services to all programs, activities and operations of the Human Rights Campaign and its educational affiliate HRC Foundation (jointly “HRC”). The (Senior) Legislative Counsel’s principal client areas are the Campaigns and Organizing Team, Project One America Team, and Government Affairs teams.

This position is responsible for working directly with the Campaigns and Organizing and Project One America teams to maintain and build collaborative relationships with state and local elected officials and with state and local coalition partners working on legislation in statehouses around the country. Additionally, the (Senior) Legislative Counsel will provide advice and counsel, research and writing as necessary to provide legal resources to HRC’s other departments, particularly the federal Government Affairs team. Significant travel may be required.

The Legislative Counsel salary range is $101,600-$127,000. Those with at least 5-8 years of experience may be considered for hiring at the Deputy Director (Senior) level with a salary of $127,000-$159,000. 

This role requires regular, on-site attendance of at least two days a week to promote the overall work culture and environment of teamwork, personal interaction, and supervision to efficiently achieve the organization’s mission of ending discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. 

All applications must include a cover letter and a writing sample. Applications not containing these materials will not be considered.

Position Responsibilities:

• Drafts legislation and amendments for legislators at all levels of government and for state and local LGBT leaders.

• Provides legal analysis and memoranda on legislative language and/or effects of language.
• Tracks state legislation around the country in cooperation with HRC organizing staff and ensures that staff is provided regular and timely updates.
• Drafts and prepares for publication updates on state and local legislation, including updates to the HRC website and the annual publications such as the Municipal Equality Index.

• Contributes to blog postings and press releases about state legislative activity.
• Provides strategic assistance on legislative strategy and process.
• Assists HRC’s Senior Director, Legal Policy and Vice President, Legal with media requests.
• Maintains relationships with organizations /constituents involved in federal and state level advocacy.

• Conducts training, workshops and conferences on HRC’s legislative and policy efforts.
• Works with colleagues, advocates and partner organizations to develop specific plans as necessary to assist efforts to pass pro-LGBT legislation or stop anti-LGBT legislation. Such assistance includes issue-specific memoranda and one-on-one calls, conference calls or in-person meetings with advocates, HRC staff, and other allies to discuss and develop legislative strategy and legal analysis.

• Assists in maintaining a clearinghouse of legislative materials including existing laws, model legislative language, briefing papers, talking points, and fact sheets on various LGBT related topics.

• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• J.D. degree from an ABA- accredited law school with at least 5 years of experience.
• • Those with at least 5-8 years of relevant experience may be considered for hiring at the Deputy Director level (Senior Legislative Counsel).
• Admitted to practice and in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar and eligibility to waive into D.C. bar required.

• Excellent critical thinker and problem-solver:
• • Grasps the nuance of complex issues and identifies patterns in challenges. Comes up with insightful, pragmatic, equitable, and sustainable approaches to complex problems;
  • Skilled in compelling written legal advocacy for diverse audiences.
  • Adapts to the evolving needs of clients, the organization, colleagues, and coalition partners;
  • Consistently overcomes challenges and leverages resources to creatively solve problems. Proactively asks for help, anticipates problems, and course-corrects where needed. Proposes solutions to issues with guidance.
• Effective communication and collegiality:
• • Speaks clearly, compellingly, and with intention on behalf of the organization and in partnership with community stakeholders.
  • Effectively communicates with external stakeholders, including sharing context and asking questions to understand others’ perspectives.
  • Produces accurate and compelling written materials: Can learn, internalize, and incorporate the organization’s mission and goals across platforms. Organizes and shares information effectively — whether writing an internal email or delivering a presentation.
  • Keen awareness of the power of language and representation: uses references and examples that speak to the experiences of a diverse audience, particularly the communities we aim to reach.
• Understanding of the importance of intersectionality and a demonstrated commitment to diversity.

• Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Works well independently, as well as on a team.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word) and Google Apps (Gmail, Google Docs and Drive).
• Experience with LexisNexis, Westlaw and other web-based research tools.

• Must be willing and able to travel at least 15% of work time.
• Flexibility with work schedule is required; this position requires some evening and weekend work.
• Background or experience in civil rights is required; knowledge of and exhibited interest in LGBTQ rights, health care, First Amendment law or reproductive rights is preferred.

All positions at the Human Rights Campaign may require travel on a regular basis or periodically. Where the need arises for business travel, appropriate compensation as outlined by the Fair Labor Standards Act will apply.