Senior Counsel | Remote

American Oversight seeks a Counsel or Senior Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation advancing government accountability and transparency. This role focuses on high-impact, records-based and other transparency-driven litigation and legal strategies to expose corruption, challenge abuses of power, and hold those who threaten democratic institutions to account.

Litigate high-impact transparency and government accountability cases in federal and state courts, including matters under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), state open records acts, state and federal open meetings laws, open courts doctrines, and other relevant authorities.

Serve as lead or supporting counsel across a diverse docket of federal and state cases, shaping litigation strategy and managing day-to-day case execution.

Draft pleadings at the trial and appellate levels, including complaints, motions, briefs, and amicus filings.

Develop and advance a strategic litigation docket, including identifying and pursuing new cases and innovative advocacy approaches.

Oversee and partner with local counsel nationwide on state-based litigation.

Develop and maintain expertise in FOIA and state open records laws.

Partner with American Oversight's investigations team to design records-driven strategies and shape public records requests to maximize strong legal leverage and evidentiary value.

Negotiate with federal, state, and local agencies to advance pending records requests and drive timely compliance through follow-up and escalation.

Draft non-judicial advocacy materials including demand letters, administrative complaints, and other tools for demanding accountability.

Collaborate with American Oversight's communications and investigations teams to translate legal findings into clear, compelling public-facing materials, including reports, blog posts, and other advocacy content.

As assigned, on a rotating basis, manage AO's legal intern program, including hiring, supervision, and enrichment opportunities.

4+ years of litigation experience (civil or criminal), including drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs.

• Excellent legal analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated interest in government accountability and public interest advocacy.
• Experience working in and/or desire to contribute to workplaces with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

10+ years experience, including significant experience leading civil litigation in federal and/or state courts, with primary responsibility for discovery, motions practice, dispositive briefing, and court appearances. Demonstrated knowledge of FOIA and state open records law, state open meetings laws and/or other transparency laws preferred.

• Excellent legal analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated interest in government accountability and public interest advocacy.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a litigation docket and lead complex cases.
• Strong track record in litigation strategy, persuasive writing, oral advocacy, and decision-making.
• Experience working in and/or desire to contribute to workplaces with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Experience mentoring and/or supervising junior attorneys, student interns, or postgraduate fellows.

Experience with the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), state open records laws, or government ethics laws.

Remote-first work environment

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid office closure from Christmas Eve to New Years' Day
• Flexible scheduling policy aligned with core business hours
• Summer Fridays
• Up to $100/month reimbursement for internet services and personal device
• 400/yr home office stipend
• Location: This position is based in the United States, with a preference for candidates in the Washington, DC area (remote will be considered). Must be available to work East Coast business hours, with evening and weekend work as needed.

Timeline: We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will continue to do so until the position is filled.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.