Separation of Powers Attorney

You: An entrepreneurial freedom fighter with a passion for freedom and experience in civil litigation. You want to find and win cutting-edge civil rights cases, represent deserving clients, and help us fight the administrative state. You are a self-starter, a natural leader, and a willing collaborator who will help PLF achieve its mission of protecting the Constitution and preserving liberty. 

Them: Federal and state agencies that are abusing their power and stripping Americans of their rights every day. There’s no shortage of agencies that ignore the constitutional separation of powers. But fortunately, like all lumbering giants, abusive government is most vulnerable when countered by individuals who act strategically and nimbly, take calculated risks, have each other’s backs, and are confident in, and passionate for, the cause—the very sort of swashbucklers we employ in spades here at PLF.  

Us: We fight back. Pacific Legal Foundation is the nation’s first and most successful public interest law firm dedicated to vindicating individual liberty. PLF has an unmatched record in the United States Supreme Court, with 18 victories out of 20 litigated at the Court. We also have close to 200 active cases across the nation.  

We are a next-generation public interest law firm. What does “next generation” mean for a legal nonprofit? It means we aren’t interested in doing the same thing as everyone else. We aspire to be the best player in a constantly changing game.  

Here’s what you get to do in this role:  

You will generate and lead high-profile cases in PLF’s Separation of Powers Program. PLF’s separation of powers litigation is unparalleled. Most recently, we have won victories in the Supreme Court limiting the federal government’s broad powers under the Clean Water Act and in the lower courts against the CDC’s eviction moratorium, and before administrative law judges against the CPSC’s efforts to destroy an infant products company. You will find and win the next important case enforcing individuals’ rights through the Constitution’s structural protections. Your ideas will help shape PLF strategy by identifying and litigating emerging separation of powers theories. You will be recognized as a nationwide leader on administrative and constitutional law.  

In a nutshell, we’re seeking someone who’s passionate about liberty, the Constitution, and the separation of powers, someone who is confident and magnanimous, and someone who is a bold and relentless freedom fighter.  

Getting down to brass tacks, your specific job duties will likely include: 

• Finding, developing, litigating—and winning—important separation of powers cases.  
• Advocating for separation of powers both philosophically and practically. Speaking with organizations, trade groups, academia, and media to advance PLF’s strategic goals. (A deep knowledge of the moral and constitutional basis for the Constitution’s structural protections is a huge plus.) 
• Writing persuasive pieces for both scholarly and lay audiences. Drafting op-eds, journal articles, and blog posts. 
• Helping to set the agenda for the future of PLF’s separation of powers program. 

This role is ideal for someone with experience litigating administrative law and/or regulatory cases, a passion for constitutional law, and outstanding communication skills. The ideal candidate will also bring a strong understanding of, and passion for, the principles of freedom and individual liberty, along with a willingness to travel.  

General Information 

Pacific Legal Foundation identifies and litigates important legal issues to set landmark precedents that will benefit Americans nationwide. Using strategic and principled litigation, communications, and research, we battle for freedom in the nation’s courts and the court of public opinion.  

As a national nonprofit organization, PLF has brick-and-mortar offices in Sacramento, California; Arlington, Virginia; and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, although approximately half of the staff work from home offices across the country. You can work physically in any of our offices or request to work virtually.  

To Apply:  

If you think you might be a good fit, submit the following application materials at the link below:  

• Your resume, including your experience in the liberty movement and relevant professional experience  
• A cover letter explaining why PLF is the place for you, why you want to fight for liberty, and what distinguishes you from typical applicants 
• A legal writing sample that is unedited (or lightly edited) of no more than 10 pages. 

This is a full-time, permanent position. PLF is committed to recruiting and retaining the highest-quality talent available nationwide, and we offer a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, medical and dental insurance, and employer-paid retirement savings. We take work-life balance seriously through our generous paid leave and flextime policies. We have a flexible, collaborative, positive, and collegial work environment. We take pride in investing in your future and encourage internal advancement. PLF is the place for someone principled, tenacious, and determined to succeed in positively shaping the future of our country and restoring real limits on government power. Join us.