Election Rights Litigator (Contract) — Remote, High-Impact

Democracy Defenders Action; United States; Remote; USD 186,000 - 282,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Office space in Washington, DC

Job summary

Democracy Defenders Action is seeking an experienced litigator to support our pro-democracy docket and independently manage a portfolio of cases on a remote, part-time contract basis. The role runs Oct 2026 through Feb 2027, with 20-40 hours per week, including nights and weekends.

The hourly rate ranges from $135 to $205, commensurate with experience, with travel expenses covered if required. The successful candidate will handle all phases of litigation, coordinate with co-counsel and internal

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Bar membership in good standing, with the ability to waive into the D.C. bar upon hiring.
• 8+ years of litigation experience.
• Election law and voting rights experience preferred.
• Experience as a prosecutor, public defender, or litigator for a nonprofit organization or government agency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small portfolio of active cases and ensure deadlines, filings, and legal deliverables are met.
• Conduct all phases of litigation, including pre-filing research, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, courtroom advocacy, and appeals.
• Produce high-quality, effective legal content under tight deadlines, including amicus briefs, complaints, pleadings, and appeals.
• Assist with identifying and selecting plaintiffs for impactful litigation.
• Collaborate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external partners to coordinate legal strategy and messaging.
• Conduct and synthesize legal research for litigation case development and strategy.
• Complete other election safeguarding research and tasks as directed by leadership.

Skills

Juris Doctorate

Bar admission

Litigation experience

Research skills

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Bar admission in good standing

Job description

Democracy Defenders Action is seeking an experienced litigator to support our pro-democracy docket and independently manage a portfolio of cases on a remote, part-time contract basis. The role runs Oct 2026 through Feb 2027, with 20-40 hours per week, including nights and weekends.

The hourly rate ranges from $135 to $205, commensurate with experience, with travel expenses covered if required. The successful candidate will handle all phases of litigation, coordinate with co-counsel and internal