Senior Legal Counsel, Campaign Finance

About Campaign Legal Center (CLC)

Campaign Legal Center (CLC) is a national nonprofit organization that fights for every American’s right to participate in the democratic process. We believe our democracy should be transparent, accountable and inclusive. CLC was founded in 2002 to advance democracy through law. We use tactics such as litigation, policy advocacy, communications and partnerships to achieve our mission. Our long-term goal is a government responsive to the people.

CLC’s commitment is to democracy. We do not make decisions based on advancing a particular political party or political outcome. We think about systemic impact when we choose which work to pursue, but we work at all levels of government to introduce innovative ideas that will drive significant change or set an important legal precedent. Our priority is engaging and driving action – whether in the courtroom, newsroom or statehouse.

Position Summary

CLC is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel or Legal Counsel to help us implement, advocate for, and defend country-wide campaign finance policies that promote a democracy that is responsive to voters rather than wealthy special interests. The Counsel will play an integral role on the campaign finance team, with their primary responsibilities involving the team’s active state legislative and policy activities.

The Counsel will provide legal expertise to stakeholders and policymakers as they develop and advocate for campaign finance policies at the state and local level. This work will include analyzing and drafting legislation and policy proposals, creating advocacy materials, testifying before legislatures and other governmental bodies, and working closely with coalitions to support reform efforts. As needed, the Counsel may also participate in the campaign finance program’s litigation docket. This position reports to the Director of State Campaign Finance.

The ideal candidate will have an interest in campaign finance law and will blend legal knowledge and political insight to help enact creative and innovative policies that strengthen our democracy. This position is in DC, but well-qualified remote candidates will be considered, consistent with CLC’s remote work policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research, analysis, writing, and advocacy in support of legislative and policy efforts
• Draft legislation, policy proposals, and legal advocacy materials, including policy papers, rulemaking comments, legislative testimony, and letters to government officials
• Establish relationships with and advise local and national partners in support of legislative efforts and ballot initiatives

• Draft pleadings, motions, and briefs in federal campaign finance cases, including amicus briefs, as needed
• Research legal issues and draft legal memoranda in support of CLC’s litigation strategy, as needed
• Other duties as assigned
• Some travel required

Preferred Qualifications

• Required: active membership in the DC bar in good standing, or eligibility to waive into the DC bar
• At least five years of legal experience (Senior Legal Counsel); one to five years of legal experience (Legal Counsel)
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills

• Excellent judgment and strategic decision-making skills

• Proven ability to build and maintain good working relationships with a diverse range of partners
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to explain legal issues to non-legal audiences
• Demonstrated interest in campaign finance law and overall mission of CLC
• Experience on campaign finance policy or litigation is a plus but not required
• Experience working on state ballot initiatives or legislative efforts is a plus but not required

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample in a single pdf with “Senior Legal Counsel, Campaign Finance” in the subject line to jobs@campaignlegalcenter.org.

Applications that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered. Please no phone calls about this position.