Deputy Managing Attorney

Position Summary:

Democracy Forward Foundation (DFF) is seeking a Deputy Managing Attorney to lead DF’s work with private law firms and volunteers. Depending on their interests and skills, the Deputy Managing Attorney may also take a leadership role in improving DFFs litigation technology or training, and, if interested, participate in DFF litigation. The role requires a proactive legal professional with relationships or the willingness to create relationships with the private bar, strong organizational capacity, thorough attention to detail, flexibility, and an ability to create, evaluate and improve systems. The Deputy Managing Attorney will report to the Managing Attorney, and will work closely with the Legal Directors, the Practice Manager, the Legal Team, and the General Counsel’s office.

This position is open to applicants based in the Washington, DC area or fully remote. If a candidate is outside of the DC area, occasional travel to DC is expected. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead DF’s partnership work with large, medium, and small private firms that support DF’s work on a pro bono and low bono basis.
• Lead the recruitment of additional large, medium, and small law firms to work with Democracy Forward Foundation on a pro bono and low bono basis, including by leveraging relationships among DF staff and firms.
• Manage DF’s volunteer attorney program, including recruiting, selecting, and onboarding volunteers, helping to determine how best to use them, and creating an evaluation mechanism for the program. 
• Manage DF’s consultants, including recruiting, selecting, and onboarding consultants, helping to determine how best to use them, and creating an evaluation mechanism for consultants.
• Assist the Managing Attorney to staff cases using private firms, volunteers, and consultants. 
• Assist the Managing Attorney on a range of projects including training and upgrading litigation technology. 
• Create, improve, and evaluate workflows within the Legal Team. 
• Stay abreast of developments around legal team management and non-profit best practices to improve internal procedures and flag any areas of consideration.
• If interested in litigation and time permits, assist with litigation on certain cases.

Qualifications:

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply.

• Experience engaging law firms in the work of mission driven non-profits.
• Experience expanding and strengthening partnerships between law firms and mission driven non-profits.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders towards a common goal. 
• Experience creating, managing, and evaluating complex work flows.
• Experience using technology in a legal setting to improve efficiency and customer service.  
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with an impressive history of forging strong relationships with stakeholders 
• Comfortable leading, managing and influencing in a non-hierarchical structure
• Ability to work under pressure, manage conflicting priorities and navigate ambiguity 
• Demonstrated commitment to Democracy Forward’s mission
• 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
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to develop relationships of trust and confidence with colleagues across teams and departments
• Outstanding communications skills, both written and verbal, and demonstrated ability to quickly learn new subject matters
• JD degree required

 The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $175,000 commensurate with experience 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.