Counsel

The States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization focused on the critical role states play in election protection, is hiring a Counsel to join its legal team and focus on accountability work.
The Counsel will work with a strong and dedicated team of internal and external attorneys, policy experts, and researchers to analyze election and voting laws, provide legal guidance to the organization and state officials, bring and support litigation or other legal actions to hold democracy violators accountable for their actions and protect elections, voting, and democracy.
About the Organization: The States United Democracy Center is a new and growing nonpartisan organization advancing free, fair, and secure elections.
We focus on connecting pro-democracy state and local officials, law enforcement leaders, and other partners across the U.
S.
with the tools and expertise they need to safeguard our democracy.
During the 2020 election, then as the Voter Protection Program, we quickly became a go-to resource for state leaders, the press, and partner organizations.
By bringing together current and former governors, secretaries of state, attorneys general, and law enforcement leaders for the first time, we helped build a nonpartisan firewall against those trying to undermine democracy.
Now, as States United, we support these partners in protecting the integrity of elections, holding accountable those who seek to undermine democracy, and preventing acts of political violence.
About the Legal Team: The Legal Department at States United is led by seasoned litigators and election law experts.
The team is dynamic, productive, and good-humored, and the work is fast-paced, challenging, and complex.
Although all team members work remotely, team cohesion and opportunities to connect with one another are a high priority—as is a culture of support, mentorship, and professional agency.
Responsibilities: Contribute to a healthy and vibrant team and organizational culture.
Support all aspects of States United’s accountability work, including litigation, ethics and other administrative complaints, and investigations into criminal and civil violations by democracy violators.
Conduct legal and factual research in support of litigation, policy advocacy, and related initiatives.
Support litigation in state and federal courts around the country, working closely with other States United attorneys and co-counsel.
Help manage legal assistants and legal interns on projects.
Provide expert legal advice to clients, Senior Counsels, and the Executive team, stakeholders, partners, coalition members, and others who seek our assistance.
Collaborate with other departments, with partner organizations, and with state and local officials around the country.
Work with a robust pro bono legal representation program, including outside law firms and lawyers.
Required Qualifications: A positive attitude, concern for people and community, presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability.
Admission to at least one state bar.
Ability to support significant public interest litigation and investigative work.
Team player who can partner and collaborate with other attorneys and coordinate with internal and external legal teams.
Excellent critical thinking skills with an ability to creatively develop and execute thoughtful solutions to complex problems.
Outstanding writing and editing skills, including drafting and editing briefs and other forms of legal analysis.
Excellent project management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize and mobilize appropriate resources to accomplish objectives.
Willingness and ability to travel at least 10-15% of time for internal meetings, external client meetings, conferences, and other events.
Preferred Qualifications: 2+ years of experience working on complex civil, criminal, or public interest litigation and/or experience working on legislative analysis.
Experience working with state officials, such as governors, attorneys general, or state legislatures.
Experience conducting investigations into violations of the law by individuals or organizations, such as potential violations of state or federal criminal law, consumer protection laws, and anti-militia statutes.
Experience working on issues of election protection, voting rights, and/or democracy protection.
We encourage individuals to submit their application for consideration even if they believe they do not have all of the preferred qualifications.
Compensation and Benefits: Annual salary will be between $90,000 and $150,000 commensurate to experience.
100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans.
Matching retirement benefits.
Generous paid time off.
States United has offices in Washington, DC, Boston, MA, and New York City, however, this position can be remotely based.
Most staff work remotely.
States United values a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.
Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
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