Senior Legal Counsel, Voting Rights

Reporting to Director of Voting Rights Litigation, the Senior Legal Counsel is an integral member of the voting rights team. The voting rights team litigates cases in federal and state courts and develops, implements, advocates for, and defends policies that promote the freedom to vote across the country.  The voting rights team is also dedicated to litigation to protect the freedom to engage in political dissent and promote participation in the democratic process. Recent litigation includes challenges to restrictions on voter registration activity at naturalization ceremonies and on collection of ballot petitions in Florida.  Voting rights attorneys also regularly participate in cases within CLC’s Rule of Law practice. The Senior Legal Counsel splits their time among the team’s litigation and policy efforts as needed.  

The Senior Legal Counsel’s responsibilities include identifying litigation opportunities and mapping CLC’s litigation strategy challenging anti-voter laws and practices, preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs, managing discovery, managing trial and appellate proceedings, and supervising other members of the team, including counsel and support staff. The Senior Legal Counsel also provides legal expertise to stakeholders and policymakers as they develop and advocate for pro- voter policies—and against anti-voter policies—at the federal, state, and local level. This work may include analyzing and drafting legislation and policy proposals, creating advocacy materials, testifying before legislatures and other governmental bodies, and working closely with coalitions to support community efforts to promote the freedom to vote. 

The Senior Legal Counsel position is eligible to take part in CLC’s telework and flexible work programs. Applicants from all geographic areas of the United States are welcome.  

Key Responsibilities: 

Identify and develop strategic litigation opportunities promoting the freedom to vote and engage in robust political dissent and participation in coordination with internal and external stakeholders Manage a caseload, from pleading stage through discovery, trial, and appellate proceedings Prepare pleadings, motions, and briefs in federal and state cases, and strategize and manage discovery processTake and defend witness depositions, lead conferences with opposing counsel, and take part in court hearingsManage record-building activities for caseload Draft legislation and policy proposals and review and analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and other policy proposals and create relevant legal advocacy materials Build and maintain relationships with local and national partners in support of litigation and legislative efforts Manage junior team members, including counsel and support staff Other duties as assigned.Some travel required 

Qualifications:

At least five years of legal experience Active membership in the DC bar in good standing, or eligibility to waive into the DC bar.Experience with all stages of the litigation process Strong research, writing, and analytical skills Exceptional interpersonal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a teamExperience managing staff Commitment to the nonpartisan nature and overall mission of CLC

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