Director, Voting Rights Project

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Job Title: Director, Voting Rights Project

Location: Washington, DC

Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role:

With the indispensable assistance of private law firms, the Voting Rights Project litigates voting rights cases nationwide, helps lead the Election Protection program, advocates before federal and state executive and legislative officials, conducts research on voting rights and fair elections issues, and educates policymakers, advocates, and citizens on those issues.

The Lawyers’ Committee seeks a proven leader with demonstrated expertise as a voting rights advocate to lead VRP. The Director will spearhead the organization’s national efforts, overseeing all aspects of our voting rights litigation and programs. The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to racial justice, cultural competency, experience working with underserved and marginalized communities, substantial litigation experience, and substantial professional experience affording insight into voting suppression tactics.

What You’ll be Doing:

Responsibilities of the Director, Voting Rights Project include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for the supervision and management of Voting Rights Project attorneys and other professionals and staff, including by providing direction and support for their work, evaluating their performance, and helping to ensure adherence to organizational policies.
• Supervision of all litigation undertaken by the Voting Rights Project, with responsibility for managing all aspects of legal strategy, representation, and advocacy for all cases, subject to overall review by the Chief Counsel.
• Acts as lead counsel for trial and appellate proceedings in specific cases.
• Reviews and edits all legal briefs submitted in the Project’s voting rights litigation, ensuring accuracy, clarity and adherence to legal standards and procedural requirements.
• Trains and mentors all attorneys in the Voting Rights Project.
• Coordinates and directs the participation of pro bono counsel in the organization’s litigation.
• Coordinates and interfaces with other organizations and coalitions in voting-related litigation.
• Collaborates closely with Election Protection group to ensure thorough preparation for and through election day.
• Participates in legal command center on election days. 
• Collaborates with the Policy Project of the organization, as well as other affiliated organizations to draft and develop voting-related legislation and other policy documents.
• Represents the Lawyers’ Committee in coalitions, convenings, and meetings with outside organizations dealing with voting rights issues.
• Coordinates with other projects of organization on strategies and cases relating to voting rights issues.
• Testifies before congressional and other federal committees.
• Interfaces with media and press, including writing op eds, participating in interviews and press conferences.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:

• Member in good standing of the DC Bar or ability to waive into the DC bar
• Minimum 8 years of complex litigation and appellate experience.
• Served as lead counsel in at least 5 complex federal and/or state trials.
• Significant experience participating in litigation before U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Courts of Appeals, and/or State Supreme Courts.
• Significant leadership and managerial experience.

Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.

Pay: $140,000-$185,000 annually

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