Appellate Counsel

Democracy Defenders Action; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Democracy Defenders Action is seeking an Appellate Counsel to support its appellate litigation efforts. The position is suitable for candidates with relevant experience in legal writing and appellate research, working primarily in a remote capacity but with a preference for candidates located in Washington, D.C.

Benefits

Generous PTO policy

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of appellate experience required for counsel role.
• Bar membership in good standing is necessary.
• Experience in social justice litigation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research and draft appellate pleadings including amicus briefs.
• Prepare attorneys for oral argument through moot arguments.
• Manage a small portfolio of active appellate cases.

Skills

Legal writing

Research

Verbal communication

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

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Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Part time or Full time, Exempt, Remote (preference for DC)

Organizational Overview

Democracy Defenders Action (DDA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy. DDA also provides general administration for a group of related independent entities including Democracy Defenders Fund (c3), Democracy Defenders PAC, and Democracy Defenders Projects–the home for the new media entity, The Contrarian. We were founded in 2023 by Ambassador Norm Eisen (ret.), alongside other leading figures in democracy defense, elections, and law to counter the authoritarian threat to our democracy.

Role Summary

The Appellate Counsel will assist with advancing DDA’s appellate litigation and legal trial strategies. The ideal candidate will possess appellate experience, including researching and drafting appellate briefs, participating in oral arguments, and working closely with external teams, including outside counsel to develop case and trial strategies. A willingness to travel when necessary is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct key tasks such as researching and drafting appellate pleadings including amicus briefs
• Prepare attorneys, internal and external, for oral argument by participating in moot arguments
• Manage appellate work and participate in appellate oral arguments
• Support trial work, including providing strategic advice on legal theories, responding to emergent appeals, and assisting with drafting responses/oppositions when needed
• Manage a small portfolio of active appellate cases and ensure deadlines, filings, and legal deliverables are met with precision
• Produce high-quality content under tight deadlines, developing the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Travel as needed for appellate arguments, or collaborative strategy meetings
• Draft and review talking points and other media materials for amplification of work and cases
• Other tasks as needed

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• 5-7 years of appellate experience (Appellate Counsel) or 7+ years of appellate experience (Senior Appellate Counsel)
• Bar membership in good standing, with the ability to waive into the D.C. bar upon hiring
• Demonstrated experience in legal writing and oral argument
• Strong research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Capacity to manage multiple cases and prioritize effectively
• Discretion in handling sensitive information
• Experience working in social justice litigation, nonprofit organizations, or government preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to protecting democracy and advancing civil rights preferred

Proximity to Washington, D.C. is preferred, although the position is remote and may be performed from any state in the U.S. Optional in-person meetings take place semi-regularly in D.C. Work may be expected in the evenings and on weekends.

Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 (Counsel), $150,000 to $175,000 (Senior Counsel), plus benefits, including a generous PTO policy. This is an exempt position.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [e-mail] with your last name followed by “Appellate Counsel” in the subject line.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Legal

• Industries

  Political Organizations

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