Counsel/Senior Counsel, Election and Government Program

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.    

The Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program works to improve the administration of our elections so that they are free, fair, and accessible for all voters; reform campaign finance, prevent government corruption, and amplify the voices of everyday people in politics; combat election disinformation and political violence that often disproportionately harm voters, election workers, and candidates of color and other political minorities; and put forward solutions to ensure that government institutions have the capacity to meet contemporary challenges, among other goals. This work aims to bring the ideal of representative self-government closer to reality by eliminating barriers to full and equal political participation, countering racial and other discrimination in our electoral and political systems and striving to ensure that public policy and institutions are effective and reflect the diverse voices and interests that make for a rich democracy.  

Position Overview: 
The fight for a more secure, responsive, and equitable democracy has never been more urgent. Reporting to an Elections and Government program director, the Brennan Center seeks a talented mid-career attorney to join its team working on a range of issues related to defending the security of our elections, restraining campaign finance abuses and other forms of corruption, countering disinformation, and bolstering the integrity and responsiveness of government. The Brennan Center’s methods include legislative and policy advocacy, legal and empirical research and writing, litigation, media communications, and public education.
 

Note: This position is based at our headquarters in New York City. It will require occasional travel as well.

Responsibilities Include:  

• Authoring reports, policy briefs and other publications to advance program priorities  

• Leading advocacy, including through work in coalitions, to change policies and laws at the local, state, and federal levels  

• Supervising and otherwise participating in litigation and other legal research and writing, usually in close collaboration with team members, allied organizations, and/or pro bono law firm counsel 

• Writing and speaking on behalf of the Brennan Center for a general, non-legal audience, including speaking with news media, drafting opinion pieces and blog posts, participating in conferences, and other public appearances  

• Representing the Brennan Center in meetings and other interactions with external stakeholders, including government officials, allies, donors, and journalists   

• Supervising and mentoring more junior attorneys, legal interns, and program support staff, including reviewing and providing feedback on work products  

• Contributing to program administration, including participation in recruitment and hiring efforts, and work with communications and development professionals  

• Other duties and tasks as assigned 

Qualifications: 
Required: The position requires a J.D. and admission to the bar of the office where the employee is based. This position requires a minimum of 7 years post-law school experience.  If you are admitted to a Bar for a state other than the office where you are located, you must be eligible to practice or apply for admission waiver to that state's Bar within 6 months of hire.  

Ideal: The ideal candidate will have some combination of the following experiences and qualifications. We recognize that many excellent candidates may not have all these experiences and qualifications and we will provide support for the successful candidate to acquire additional skills.  

• Excellent legal research and analysis skills 

• A creative, problem-solving mindset, with demonstrated ability to turn ideas into products or actions 

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment    

• Experience managing specific cases and projects, including anticipating and managing the day-to-day needs of advocacy or litigation campaigns  

• Desire and ability to speak and write for a variety of audiences, including the general public    

• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, including the ability to work with diverse constituencies both inside and outside the organization    

• Comfort working with social science research and experts   

• Familiarity with areas of law relevant to the program’s work, including election law, campaign finance law, administrative law, civil rights law, and/or federal civil litigation  

• A growth mindset that seeks and applies constructive feedback   

• A passion for the Brennan Center’s mission and work 

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.     

If you’re uncertain about meeting 100 percent of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.   

Application Instructions:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, visit >>this link<<.  Please upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) two writing samples (up to 10 pages), and (4) contact information for three references. If applicable, include internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples.  

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “Counsel, Elections and Government Program” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.  

Compensation and Benefits:  
The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.    

This is a scaled position and the salary assigned for the scale is $139,100 - $185,800 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after the selected candidate graduated from law school. Additionally, we offer a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.   
 
In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.   

#LI-DNI

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.