Litigation Counsel (Contract), Election and Voting Rights

Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Remote, 20-40 hours per week, limited term contract Oct 2026 - Feb 2027

Organizational Overview

The Democracy Defenders family of organizations (a c3, c4, legally separate PAC, and The Contrarian) is a leader in the fight against authoritarianism, working strategically in the courts and court of public opinion to restore American democracy by: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding free and fair elections, and fighting corruption.

Role Purpose

Democracy Defenders Action is seeking an experienced litigator to add expertise and capacity to support our active, pro-democracy docket and also to independently run their own portfolio of cases.

This is a contract position that begins asap and runs through the end of February 2027, with the option to extend. Attorneys will be paid hourly and expected to work 20-40 hours per week, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small portfolio of active cases and ensure deadlines, filings, and legal deliverables are met with precision.
• 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, including co-counsel, nonprofit allies, and communications professionals, to coordinate legal strategy and messaging.
• Conduct and synthesize legal research for use in litigation case development and strategy, and in broader election safeguarding efforts.
• Complete other election safeguarding research and tasks as directed by the Director of Litigation or other DDA leadership.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree 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.
• Strong research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Capacity to deliver high quality and timely work products in a high stakes and fast paced environment.
• Unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and an ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.
• Weeknight and weekend work required.
• Available to work 20+ hours per week.
• Available to travel as needed for court appearances and discovery (Travel is unlikely, but possible. DDA will cover travel-related expenses).

Role and Compensation Details

• The hourly rate for this position is $135 - $205 per hour, commensurate with experience.
• The Litigation Counsel (Contract) position is part of our Litigation department and reports to the Director of Litigation.
• This is a remote position that may be performed from any state in the U.S. We offer optional access to office space in Washington, DC.
• This role primarily supports Democracy Defenders Fund c3, with some support for Democracy Defenders Action c4.
• Preference given to candidates who apply by Oct 4 at 11:59pm ET.

If you are unsure about applying, we encourage you to make a case as to why you are a compelling candidate. A human reviews all application materials, and we are eager to hear from candidates who may not meet all of the qualifications, who possess transferable skills, and who have non-traditional work histories.

Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.