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Oversight Attorney

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Position Summary:

Democracy Forward seeks a highly collaborative Oversight Attorney to join its Oversight & Strategic Initiatives team and advance its oversight and investigations work, primarily through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and litigation. The Oversight Attorney will report to the Director of Oversight and/or Senior Oversight Counsel. 

Responsibilities:

  • Partner with Democracy Forward’s Senior Oversight Counsel in litigating Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in federal court and other litigation matters as assigned, on behalf of Democracy Forward and other clients.
  • Assist Senior Oversight Counsel in designing litigation strategy, and managing day-to-day case management.
  • Perform legal research and draft legal documents, including administrative appeals for FOIA requests, and other court filings in FOIA litigation.
  • Maintain active communication and follow up with FOIA or open records officers in government agencies as DF’s point of contact for assigned active open records requests, or manage such correspondence handled by other team members.
  • Develop and draft (or consult on) FOIA requests designed to advance DF’s broader strategy (independent of its FOIA litigation). Work closely with litigation case teams to accomplish this.
  • Work with DF’s oversight team to research and develop investigation strategies and opportunities consistent with relevant federal and state open records laws. 

Qualifications:

  • JD required
  • Recent law school graduate, up to 2 years of experience clerking or litigating
  • Demonstrated experience with legal, policy, and media databases and tools, including Westlaw, Docket Alarm, and PACER 
  • Experience analyzing a significant volume of court decisions and litigation documents in a timely and accurate manner
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Experience working on teams in a collaborative structure
  • Ability to manage multiple, competing deadlines and priorities and be nimble and flexible in response to fast-moving threats
  • Ability to process large amounts of information and develop strategic responses with limited oversight
  • Attention to detail
  • Demonstrated excellence in organizational and communication skills
  • A commitment to Democracy Forward’s values of excellence, inclusion, accountability, collaboration, and impact.
  • Demonstrated commitment to democracy and social progress

The salary range for this position is $90,000-$110,000 plus excellent benefits. Compensation is commensurate with experience. 

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. Please note that all lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia. 

Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement.  If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap in employment, or simply looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome the opportunity to have you on our radar.  Please include in your cover letter the nature of your interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress and what you hope to bring to our team and the role for which you are applying. 

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