Job Description

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) seeks a passionate and creative Litigation Counsel to join our legal team and help us secure our democracy and build a better Washington. This position is a unique opportunity to be on the front lines of the fight for a more ethical, accountable, and open government, while working alongside smart, dedicated and kind people.

As a leading nonpartisan nonprofit government watchdog, CREW is dedicated to preserving our democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, defending against threats to free and fair elections, rooting out government misconduct and corruption and fighting the influence of money in politics through legal action and communications grounded by in-depth research. CREW is looking for a creative, driven attorney committed to our mission and values. We welcome diverse skills, backgrounds and experiences.

The Litigation Counsel will report to the Chief Counsel, and work closely with a team of six litigators, two legal fellows and two paralegals.

This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining. The position is based in Washington, D.C. with hybrid work options potentially available.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support CREW’s litigation and related advocacy focused on promoting accountability, transparency and ethics in government, preserving our democratic institutions, defending against threats to free and fair elections, and upholding the rule of law.
• Perform and support core litigation tasks including legal research; fact development; drafting pleadings, briefs and legal memoranda; participating in and managing discovery;  identifying and working with clients and witnesses; and conducting motion hearings (including motions for emergency relief), evidentiary hearings and oral arguments in trial and appellate courts.
• Identify, develop, and help bring to fruition new litigation matters, including by identifying opportunities to collaborate with partner organizations, pro bono law firms, and potential clients.
• Work on other legal actions including administrative complaints, regulatory comments and open records requests.
• Collaborate with staff across the organization—including policy, communications, and research professionals—to support legal and advocacy strategies, and to help translate complex legal issues for wider audiences.
• Participate in coalition meetings, conferences and other external events as a CREW representative.
• Travel as required for litigation, conferences and other engagements.

Qualifications:

We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet each and every qualification listed below.

• J.D. (required).
• Admitted or eligible to waive in for admission to the D.C. Bar
• A minimum of 4 years of substantive litigation experience (including clerkships and fellowships) 
• Experience litigating on behalf of or against governments (federal or state)
• Familiarity with one or more of the following areas: administrative law, constitutional law, privacy and data security laws, election law, federal civil service laws, or public records laws.
• Excellent writing, analytical and research abilities
• Experience independently handling smaller litigation matters or substantial components of more complex litigation
• Experience identifying, developing and operationalizing new litigation matters
• Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills and sound judgment

Compensation/Benefits

The salary range for this position is $145,000-$165,000 based on experience and qualifications. CREW offers a compensation and benefits program that creates a supportive, respectful, sustainable environment that allows our employees to show up as their authentic selves and perform at their best. We’re in this work for the long-haul, and that means investing in our most important asset: our staff. We are always working to improve our benefits program, currently they include: 

• Generous paid time off
• Platinum medical insurance (100% of premium covered for employees; 55% of premium covered for dependents) 
• Dental and vision insurance (99.9% of premium covered for employees and 55% of premium covered for dependents)
• 10 weeks paid family leave for non-birthing parent and 16 weeks paid family leave for birthing parent
• Family planning and gender affirming care benefits that include a $10k annual employer contribution with up to $30k over the term of your employment for employees AND their partners
• Option to enroll in FSA and dependent care FSA accounts with a $2,500 employer contribution to dependent care FSAs
• Option to enroll in commuter benefits with a $50/month employer contribution 
• Flexible, hybrid work environment
• Fully vested 401k with 3% employer contribution starting on day one 
• Paid holiday closures between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, as well as major national holidays
• Employee assistance program
• Summer Fridays all year long 
• Free in-office lunches weekly (and snacks daily!)
• Free virtual yoga classes

How to apply

Please email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to [email protected]. Please include your last name and “Litigation Counsel” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. We are only able to respond to candidates we are contacting for an interview.

CREW is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in our workplace and in our work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.

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