Democracy Forward provides a competitive, lockstep and transparent compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this position is $75,000 – $90,000 based on years of relevant experience and seniority. Democracy Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply.
Meet some but not all of our qualifications? Don’t let that deter you from applying. If you believe that you could excel in our organization and believe in our mission, we hope you apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to non-profit or legal work, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we hope to hear from you. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in our work and what you would bring to the role for which you are applying.
Democracy Forward seeks an experienced, motivated, organized, and detail-oriented individual to support our Litigation and Legal Assistant teams. You will also coordinate with the Litigation, Communications, and Policy & Research teams to support Democracy Forward’s work, be responsible for the management, training, overall development, and support of the legal assistants. You will also assist with their work allocation.
Responsibilities
Support the Legal Director, Deputy Legal Directors, and Democracy Forward’s litigators in the day-to-day management of the Legal Team, including the management of new matter openings and matter close-outs, document retention, conflicts, and tracking of legal matters and file management
Supervise, manage, support, and develop the legal assistant team, including serving as the primary point of contact for legal assistants on day-to-day workflow;
Provide regular check-ins with the legal assistant team and litigation team to ensure appropriate resource allocation and excellent work product;
Provide training, development, feedback, and opportunities for growth for the legal assistant team;
Develop and implement comprehensive legal assistant onboarding and ongoing training programs as well as legal practice policies;
Assist with the onboarding of new litigation hires;
Conduct 90 day reviews for all new legal assistant hires, and annual reviews including preparing communications, finalizing review forms;
Collaborate across teams, including regular collaboration with communications, policy, research, operations, and executive teams
Qualifications
5+ years’ experience working as a legal assistant in a litigation setting;
Experience managing complex workflows and mentoring & training junior legal assistant team members;
Demonstrated commitment to Democracy Forward’s mission;
Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds;
Commitment to workplace inclusion and ability to contribute affirmatively to a just and equitable workplace culture;
Must be based in the Washington, DC area and be able to be available in Democracy Forward’s Washington, DC offices as needed.
Since 2017, our team of experienced litigators and effective communicators has successfully challenged bad actors and their unlawful policies, shut down corrupt committees created for industry interests, and exposed unfair, unreasonable rulemakings that strip vulnerable communities of crucial protections.
In statehouses, courtrooms, and communities across the country, we continue to see threats to democracy. Democracy Forward is expanding its work and using new strategies to oppose abuses of power, give voice to those who are harmed, and fight for the promise of democracy on behalf of all Americans.
We use the law to fight for good government on behalf of all Americans.
LITIGATING
We go to court for democracy by challenging abuses of power and attempts to undermine a government that works for people who need it most.
SUPPORTING
We support advocates engaged in transformative work for people and communities by providing legal representation, strategy, and resources to amplify their voice in government.
RAISING AWARENESS
We expose overlooked, often under-the-radar threats to democracy by raising public awareness on behalf of the people and communities harmed.