Senior Counsel (Rule of Law)

Job Overview:

The Senior Counsel (Rule of Law) is a core member of the organizations legal program reporting to the Program Director (Rule of Law). The position plays a critical role in advising state officials and organizational leadership on legal issues at the intersection of federal, state, and local authority, including constitutional and other constraints on federal power and the Administrative Procedures Act.

This role is expected to contribute to the oversight, guidance, and mentorship of junior attorneys and legal interns, fellows, outside counsel, and outside consultants. It may include direct supervision of counsel(s).

Responsibilities:

• Perform all duties in accordance with States Uniteds values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Deliver legal analysis and strategic guidance to state officials on federalism, administrative law, separation of powers, and other issues central to democracy protection and rule of law.
• Supervise and manage the performance and professional development of a Counsel, and provide mentorship, guidance, and supervision to legal interns, fellows, and other staff.
• Oversee the development of legal memoranda, litigation materials, and policy reports that meet the organizations high standards for clarity, rigor, and timeliness.
• Engage with state attorneys general, governors, and senior officials to provide legal support aligned with the organizations mission and nonpartisan stance.
• Coordinate with cross-departmental teams to produce legal content for public education, policy, and communications efforts.
• Manage relationships and contracts with outside counsel, consultants, and legal experts.
• Participate in internal planning, hiring, and program strategy development within the legal department.
• Contribute to external representation of the organization, including occasional public speaking or engagement with media, partners, and funders.
• Assist in development-related activities such as donor briefings or proposal reviews, as requested.

Minimum Requirements:

• Attorney/JD with an active license and a minimum of 12 years of post-law school experience.
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify, conceptualize, lead, and manage significant public interest and/or government-related legal work.
• Excellent client/relationship management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as necessary.
• Outstanding judgment about case/legal issues, project management/organizational issues, professional demeanor, and client service.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, including drafting and editing complex legal analysis and briefs.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 15% travel time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in or with an office of a state official, including governors or attorneys general; and/or experience working in the federal government, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, or other federal agency or department, or as Congressional committee counsel.
• Experience working on or familiarity with issues related to the interplay between federal, state, and local authority and/or constraints on federal authority, including the Administrative Procedures Act.
• Experience working on or familiarity with issues related to rule of law, elections, voting, and state government.
• Experience overseeing, developing, and mentoring junior attorneys and staff, and administering programs.
  

We encourage individuals to submit their application for consideration even if they believe they do not have all the preferred qualifications.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The startings alary for this position is $170,000 commensurate to experience.
  Benefits include 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off.

We have offices located in Boston, MA, Brooklyn, NY, and Washington, DC. This position may also be remote within the United States, with travel to attend organizational and team meetings and conferences, and other travel as needed.

States United Democracy Center is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.