Staff Attorney - Power & Democracy

Who we are:

Situated at the forefront of the national stage in the racial justice movement, Advancement Project National Office is a cutting-edge, no-holds-barred national nonprofit whose team members are dedicated to creating free and safe communities for people of color. From ending the school-to-prison pipeline to the fight to expand the right to vote, from calling for a complete overhaul of how we view the police and carceral state, to fighting for immigrant justice, Advancement Project National Office team members impact real change from the ground up. This moment demands alignment, sharp strategic thinking, and creativity to imagine a more just world in which racism no longer exists and all people of color can be free and safe – and we are excited to bring on new talent to change our world.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a creative problem solver, strong advocate, and skilled attorney to join our Power and Democracy team. This position focuses on identifying and recommending how to respond to legislative and legal developments in the issue area they are assigned to. Through research, analysis, writing and cross-team collaboration, the staff attorney will provide support to state-based grassroots partners in their legislative, legal, and policy goals. When the opportunity arises, this staff attorney will also work on national and congressional efforts to end voter disenfranchisement.

The position reports to the Deputy Director of Power & Democracy and will be part of our bargaining unit with compensation determined by the bargaining unit’s compensation structure.

What you’ll do:

• Research and analyze policies, laws, and regulations on assigned issues in support of grassroots partners and Advancement Project’s overall mission.

• Investigate voting rights, and racial justice issues, including through data, anecdotal, and other factual collection and analysis.

• Prepare legal memoranda and draft other associated policy-related and legal documents.

• Assist with investigations, and litigation efforts, including discovery and motion writing, when appropriate.

• Assist with legislative efforts, including analyzing and drafting language for bills.

• Collaborate with colleagues, internally and externally, in voting rights and other program areas to develop and implement strategies.

• Cultivate external relationships with national and regional organizations and allies.

• Provide guidance to team members and interns on work products.

• Assist with legal and policy work cross-program, as needed.

• Use a variety of legal, policy, communications, organizing, and coalition-building strategies to assist our community partners.

• Other related duties, as assigned

What you need to be considered:

• A Juris Doctor degree is required.
• State bar membership (must be willing to become a member of or able to waive into DC Bar);
• At least 2 years of legal experience.
• A strong interest in restoration of rights work is a plus.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice.
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Interest in working with grassroots organizations.
• Willingness to travel.
• Experience in voting rights or related civil rights experience is preferred
• Willingness to work in multiple program areas, as needed.
• Fluency in Spanish, organizing experience, litigation experience, and coalition-building experiences are pluses.

PLEASE UPLOAD TWO WRITING SAMPLES WITH COVER LETTER