Access to Justice Policy Coordinator

The Institute for Justice seeks a passionate individual to join our Activism team as an Access to Justice Policy Coordinator for our newest initiative, Counsel Unbound, based at our headquarters in Arlington, VA.
IJ’s Activism team advances policy reforms at the state and local level to expand economic liberty, protect property rights, increase government accountability, and improve access to justice. Through research, outreach, coalition building, and advocacy, we work to change laws and remove barriers that limit opportunity.
Counsel Unbound is dedicated to expanding access to legal help by rethinking who is allowed to provide it. Today, millions of Americans face civil legal problems without meaningful assistance—not because solutions don’t exist, but because laws make it a crime for anyone but a licensed attorney to provide most legal help. Through policy reform and public education, Counsel Unbound challenges these outdated unauthorized practice of law (UPL) rules and works to open the door for nonlawyers to provide basic legal guidance.
The ideal candidate will be excited to work primarily on issues in the access-to-justice space, including community outreach, research, analyzing statutes and court rules and developing policy recommendations, tracking opportunities and the news, hosting events and roundtables, working with the media, writing for a wide variety of audiences and contexts, organizing public information campaigns, and lobbying.
Specific responsibilities include: 

• Conducting research on access-to-justice issues, including reviewing and processing academic publications, court decisions, and current events
• Tracking court initiatives and updates to existing programs
• Outreach to potential legal services providers and those impacted by bad policies—including through in-person canvassing, cold outreach, and digital advertising
• Identifying and cultivating relationships with activists, decision makers, and coalition partners
• Developing and executing grassroots strategies and public information campaigns 
• Hosting events like town halls, roundtables, community block parties, activist trainings, and webinars
• Drafting materials for activists, decision makers, and the public, including one-pagers, press releases, flyers, op-eds, and digital and social media content
• Representing the initiative externally and attending conferences and coalition meetings, alongside senior team members
• Working with senior managers to develop policy recommendations and publish reports
• Traveling as needed 1 – 2 times a month, occasionally on short notice 

Qualifications:

• Deep commitment to access-to-justice issues and IJ’s mission, particularly expanding legal access for people of modest means and diverse backgrounds
• Experience or interest in public policy, advocacy, or grassroots organizing
• Personable, self-motivated, proactive, and eager to learn new skills in a dynamic
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, with strong attention to detail and critical thinking abilities
• Ability to communicate complex policy ideas to diverse perspectives including decision makers
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders
• Comfortable with outreach, public engagement, and event coordination
• Willingness to travel 1 – 2 times per month

Benefits:

• Hybrid work schedule
• Flexible work hours with our core business hours of 10am and 4pm
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance (IJ covers 100% of individual premiums)
• Free Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance plans
• HSA employer contributions
• 401(k) with employer matches
• Smart casual dress code with casual Fridays
• Generous PTO package of accruing sick and vacation hours in addition to a paid personal day and floating and traditional holidays

This role is supported by enthusiastic team leaders, and the position offers unique opportunities for professional development, growth, and long-term advancement. The candidate will join a close-knit team and be expected to work well with others to accomplish our goals.
To apply, please submit a resume, a writing sample, and a cover letter detailing why you are interested in working at IJ.