Counsel, Justice Program

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think-tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.  

The Brennan Center’s Justice Program aims to secure our nation’s promise of “equal justice for all” by tackling racial disparities and economic injustice, promoting a dignity-centered approach to crime and punishment, and creating a rational, effective, and fair justice system. Its priority focus is to reform the criminal legal system to shrink reliance on mass incarceration and mitigate its pernicious effects.  

Position Overview: 
The Justice Program seeks a talented attorney to join a cutting-edge interdisciplinary team working to create a fair and equitable criminal justice system that champions evidence-based reforms to protect both individual rights and public safety. Reporting to a Justice Program Director, the attorney will help us build a research and policy agenda to achieve smarter policing and sentencing policies, more humane prison conditions, and supportive reentry programs. The Counsel will help the justice team build out state advocacy to improve the justice system, with a focus on prison reform, and in assisting the Program in researching and drafting reports, briefs, and other public facing work. The Counsel will also provide legal support to advance the Center’s advocacy efforts at the state, local, and federal levels. Finally, the counsel will provide research and advocacy support to Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration (“LEL”), a project of the Justice Program. LEL is a nonpartisan national coalition of nearly 200 current and former police chiefs, sheriffs, federal and state chief prosecutors, attorneys general, and corrections officials from across the country who are committed to supporting practical, tested policies that reduce unnecessary incarceration, improve fairness, and protect public safety. 

 

Note:  This position is based at our headquarters in New York City. Occasional travel to our Washington, D.C. office and to other locations for conferences and meetings will be required.

Responsibilities:  

• Assist the team to support state legislation across the country to improve the justice system, with a specific focus on improving prisons
• Assist staff members in researching, developing, and co-authoring reports and policy proposals and for a wide variety of audiences – legal, legislative, media, and public 
• Help senior staff generate new project ideas by researching and drafting concept papers, funding proposals, and other written work (including articles, opinion pieces, speeches, and organizational materials) 
• Conduct research at the direction of mid-level and senior attorneys. 
• Manage development and implementation of projects, as assigned 
• Take on special projects and other duties as assigned 
• Conduct research for and draft white papers, talking points, public statements, articles, and other materials to support the LEL project 
• Help staff and manage working group projects focusing on specific timely topics related to law enforcement and justice, including identifying relevant topics and experts 
• Monitor legislation, hearings, and other developments in relevant issue areas 
• Provide research support for meetings with current or former law enforcement officials, advocacy group leaders as well as committee testimony, Hill briefings and other public events, and high-level meetings  

Qualifications:  

• J.D. required. This is a mid-level position open to applicants who are a few years out of law school, including recent judicial law clerks and others with 3-4 years of work experience post-law school. The ideal candidate will have some combination of the following experiences and qualifications.  
• Excellent legal research and analysis skills 
• Experience working on state legislative priorities 
• A creative, problem-solving mindset, with demonstrated ability to turn ideas into products or actions 
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment 
• Desire and ability to write for a variety of audiences, including the general public 
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, including the ability to work with diverse constituencies both inside and outside the organization 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Comfort working with social science research and experts 
• Openness to feedback 
• Ability to multitask, pay attention to detail, work under pressure, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• A self-starter’s mindset, eagerness to work in a team-based environment, and openness to feedback from colleagues at all levels of experience 

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.  

If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.  

Application Instructions  
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found.  

To apply, visit >> THIS LINK << .  Please upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) two writing samples (up to 10 pages each), and (4) contact information for three references. If applicable, please include Internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples. Applications without all the previously listed materials will not be considered. 

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to:  View email address on brennancenter.applytojob.com with “Counsel, Justice Program” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.  

 
Compensation and Benefits:  
The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.  

This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $110,200 - $145,100 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after the selected candidate graduated from law school. Additionally, we offer a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.   

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.   

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.