Counsel, Democracy

Job Description

Job Description

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 American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. 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, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.     

Position 
The Brennan Center’s Democracy Program seeks a talented attorney to join a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary team working collaboratively to strengthen our democratic institutions and the rule of law. The attorney’s focus will include addressing abuses of power and the weaponization of governmental authorities, the rule of law, and the Department of Justice. This is a term-limited position with an anticipated duration of two to three years. 

Our democracy faces significant and evolving challenges to the institutions, laws, and norms that constrain government power and uphold the rule of law. Among other things, our Democracy Program works to strengthen checks and balances, protect against the misuse and weaponization of government power, and safeguard the integrity of key institutions, including the Department of Justice. We meet these challenges, and others, head on. We do so with partners ranging from civil society organizations and legal experts to government officials and pro bono counsel. 

The Brennan Center’s methods include legal and empirical research and writing, litigation, policy development, convening, legislative and policy advocacy, media and communications, and public education. Among other things, this position will help advance strategies to strengthen the rule of law at the Department of Justice, working with the Patricia Bauman Senior Fellow. The Counsel will, from time to time, be assigned to work under the direction of other leaders. 

Note: This position is based at our headquarters in New York City or at our Washington, D.C. office. It will require occasional travel.  

Responsibilities

• Helping plan and coordinate high-profile convenings and conferences related to strengthening our democratic institutions and the rule of law.  

• Producing legal, academic, or empirical research and writing to shape policy proposals, advocacy strategies, and litigation, and identifying areas where empirical or other research is needed. 

• Developing policy proposals to address emerging issues and engaging in policy advocacy, sometimes working in partnership with other NGOs, scholars and social scientists, and current and former government leaders. 

• Producing written work (including articles, opinion pieces, speeches, reports, legislative testimony, and organizational materials), with opportunities for named authorship. 

• Developing legal strategies to address emerging issues. 

• Helping develop and execute amicus campaigns, including engaging with experts and scholars and coordinating with other organizations and pro bono partners.  

• Participating in litigation, including research, motion and brief writing, and strategy development, with team members, allied organizations, and/or pro bono law firm counsel. 

• Taking on special projects and other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 
Required. The position requires a J.D. and admission to the bar of the office where the employee is based. If you are admitted to a Bar for a state other than the office where you are located, you must be eligible to practice or apply for admission to that state’s Bar within 6 months of hire. This position is open to applicants who are recent law school graduates, judicial law clerks, and others with 1-5 years of post-law school experience. 

Ideal. The ideal candidate will have some combination of the following experiences and qualifications. We recognize that many excellent candidates may not have all these experiences and qualifications and we will provide support for the successful candidate to acquire additional skills. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Excellent legal research and analysis skills. 

• Strong ability and desire to write for legal, policy, and public audiences. 

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, including the ability to work with diverse constituencies both inside and outside the organization. 

• A commitment to racial equity. 

• Comfort working with social science research and experts. 

• Experience working in government, particularly in the Department of Justice, in nonprofit or legal organizations, or on rule of law and democracy issues. 

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, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.    

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

Application
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 <> . Please upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) two writing samples (up to 10 pages), and (4) contact information for three supervisor references. If applicable, include internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples. 

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 ziprecruiter.com with “Counsel, Democracy” 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 $84,000 - $127,000 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 very robust and competitive array of benefits such as 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.

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