We are looking for a Counsel, Litigation to lead Common Cause’s work in protecting our four policy pillars in Voting & Fair Representation, Anti-Corruption & Accountability, Media & Technology, and Civil Rights & Civil Liberties. This individual will contribute to impactful legal litigation in collaboration with partner organizations, pro bono law firms, and potential clients across the pro-democracy space.
This is a full-time role, reporting to the Vice President, Litigation. This role is based in Washington, DC, with an expectation to come into our office at least two days per week. We hope our new Counsel, Litigation will start in October.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; the deadline to apply is August 9th.
Responsibilities
Lead Common Cause’s litigation and advocacy efforts through expertise in legal analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement
Serve as the primary point of contact for external counsel, overseeing day-to-day case management including assignment of reviews, coordination of discovery timelines, and overall case progress
Identify, develop, and bring forward creative litigation pursuits by identifying opportunities with partner organizations, pro bono law firms, and potential clients
Work on various legal actions including administrative complaints, regulatory comments, and open records requests
Maintain meticulous tracking of case progress and provide regular updates to team members and leadership
Collaborate and work closely with State teams and coalition partners to develop clear case theory, coordinate litigation strategy, share legal expertise, and ensure alignment with organizational goals
Review substantive pleadings and briefs critically, providing insightful comments to strengthen legal positions
Develop proficiency in emerging issue areas, applying creative, rigorous, and analytical approaches to address complex challenges
Offer sound legal counsel to the Vice President of Litigation, contributing legal insights to strategic decision-making
Build and sustain relationships with counsel and partner organizations by initiating new collaborations and fostering a network of reliable legal and organizational allies.
Develop, manage, and participate in coalitions and represent Common Cause at conferences and external events
Prepare and present legal materials for internal and public speaking engagements
Litigation Strategy & Case Management
Internal Collaboration & Advisory
External Relationships & Partnerships
Qualifications
A strong commitment to Common Cause’s nonpartisan mission and to advancing civil rights through our pro-democracy agenda
A commitment to equity in the goals of your work and in how you work with others
A track record of working with others, with the ability to build rapport, trust, and credibility with multiple stakeholders with diverse interests
Ability to navigate organizational and power dynamics, respectfully navigate conflict while maintaining your values, and influence others to adopt changes to meet common goals
Innovative and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to navigate through ambiguity to achieve goals, and a resourceful approach to solve problems
Ability to manage and meet deadlines for multiple short-and long-term priorities at once, with high attention to detail; strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage your time independently
Ability to compel action through both written and verbal communication, including distilling complex concepts for a broad audience, and to differentiate communications as needed for various audiences
Openness to feedback and awareness of your own strengths and areas for growth
Familiarity with office productivity tools including Microsoft Office and Zoom
Juris Doctor degree and active bar membership in good standing in the District of Columbia or another state
Demonstrated experience leading complex advocacy litigation; ideally, you have litigated on behalf of or against federal or state governments
Substantive knowledge of or experience in one or more of the following pro-democracy areas: voting and fair representation, including election law; civil rights and civil liberties; media and technology; anti-corruption and accountability; or constitutional law
Experience drafting complaints, pleadings, or other dispositive motions, with the judgment to know when litigation is the right tool to meet the moment
A track record of leading organization-wide change initiatives
Experience managing coalitions or groups that represent stakeholders with diverse interests to achieve a goal
Research and analytical skills, as demonstrated through an internship, clinical experience, or other work experience
This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations
Common Cause is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time; please note that if hired, you will be asked to produce documentation for authorization to work in the US
You will thrive in this role if you have:
The following is required:
Additional information about this role:
Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated.
Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create an open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has members and supporters living in every congressional district in the United States, and offices in 23 states around the country.
Skills Required
- Juris Doctor degree and active bar membership in good standing in the District of Columbia or another state
- Demonstrated experience leading complex advocacy litigation, ideally litigating on behalf of or against federal or state governments
- Substantive knowledge or experience in one or more pro-democracy areas: voting and fair representation, election law, civil rights and civil liberties, media and technology, anti-corruption and accountability, or constitutional law
- Experience drafting complaints, pleadings, or other dispositive motions and exercising judgment when litigation is appropriate
- Track record of leading organization-wide change initiatives
- Experience managing coalitions or groups representing stakeholders with diverse interests
- Research and analytical skills demonstrated through internship, clinical experience, or other work experience
- Familiarity with office productivity tools including Microsoft Office and Zoom
- Strong written and verbal communication, and ability to distill complex concepts for broad audiences
- Ability to manage multiple short- and long-term priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high attention to detail
- Ability to build rapport and credibility with diverse stakeholders and navigate organizational dynamics
- Commitment to Common Cause's nonpartisan mission and to equity
- Openness to feedback and self-awareness about strengths and growth areas
What We Do
Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. Founded in 1970, it works at the national, state, and local levels to create an open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest. The organization focuses on issues such as voting rights, campaign finance reform, ethics, and media accountability, empowering citizens to make their voices heard in the political process.
