Counsel, Litigation Operations and Partnerships

Protect Democracy seeks a highly motivated lawyer with significant litigation experience to join our team as Counsel overseeing Litigation Operations and Partnerships.

In this role, you will work to prevent American democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government by leading and optimizing the most critical functions of Protect Democracy’s litigation teams and casework. You will have visibility into all of Protect Democracy’s ongoing cases, and your core responsibilities will be to develop, maintain, and facilitate close relationships with pro bono law firm co-counsel to support and grow our ambitious litigation docket. In coordination with other colleagues across Protect Democracy, you will also build and maintain litigation systems across the organization, working closely with other PD counsel, paralegals, members of our operations team, and external counsel and partners, to optimize communication, coordination, resource allocation, and skills training across litigation staff.

The ideal candidate brings at least seven years of experience as an attorney — including some experience in litigation management, operations, and/or administration — and an innate enthusiasm for improving and implementing litigation systems that maximize impact and optimize output. Ideal experience includes building and maintaining relationships with co-counsel; a demonstrated ability to create and maintain systems that enhance legal team efficiency and effectiveness; familiarity with legal technology tools (including e-discovery platforms); exceptional project management and people management skills; a flexible, action-oriented mindset; excellent writing, research, and communication skills with a keen eye for detail; and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.

Candidates must be committed to our mission and passionate about democratic norms. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum. A commitment to our mission and cross-ideological strategy for defending our democracy is essential. The priority application deadline for this role is August 15, 2025. You can work remotely from any location in the United States.*

Counsel, Litigation Operations and Partnerships responsibilities include:

• Developing, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with leading law firms around the country, including by:
  • Helping identify appropriate co-counsel for specific matters,
  • Coordinating use of legal volunteers for PD work,
  • Overseeing systems and processes for tracking co-counsel relationships, and
  • Facilitating co-counsel relationships for partner orgs and efforts;
• Contributing to the development and implementation of strategic usage of knowledge and contact management platforms and tools (including AI-powered tools) in cooperation with in-house and other teams;
• Establishing and overseeing training programs for new and seasoned litigation staff (litigators, paralegals, and impact associates) to strategically leverage PD resources, maximize coordination, and identify opportunities for growth;
• Overseeing case opening/closing processes and conflicts check procedures;
• Supporting fee petition processes, including determining appropriate rates and documentation;
• Supporting and tracking attorney admissions and pro hac vice appearances;
• Managing relationships with process servers, legal printers, and other crucial litigation-support vendors;
• Strategizing with staff across the organization and proactively contributing ideas toward improving our litigation operations to best serve Protect Democracy’s mission.

The ideal candidate brings:

• At least seven years of experience as an attorney, including some experience in litigation management, operations, and/or administration;
• An excellent understanding of civil litigation procedures, discovery processes, and trial preparation requirements;
• Experience with legal technology, including case management software and e-discovery platforms;
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills, and attention to detail, with proven ability to design and implement systems that enhance efficiency;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with external partners and vendors;
• Nimbleness and an ability to perform well in a dynamic, fast-paced environment;
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships and work in a team environment with people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;
• Ability to track, prioritize, and balance a diverse set of responsibilities;
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down and sideways;
• A passionate commitment to the preservation of democratic norms and institutions, and an understanding that our democracy has never fully represented communities of color.

About Protect Democracy:

• Flexible location. We are a remote-first organization based exclusively in the United States, meaning our staff work within the U.S. and primarily virtually. We also offer shared workspaces for those who enjoy working in an office environment. We are established for remote work in many states across the country, and while candidates based anywhere in the U.S. are welcome to apply, we may not be able to offer employment in your current location. If you proceed with the hiring process, we will discuss where you currently live and what is possible during the hiring process. All staff are also required to travel at least twice per year to team retreats, and this role may involve additional travel to meet with partners, vendors, or for planning meetings. (Accommodations to this requirement will be made only in exceptional circumstances.)
• Commitment to an inclusive workplace. Protect Democracy is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences strengthens our ability to analyze problems, craft solutions, and drive meaningful change. Protect Democracy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
• Phenomenal benefits. Our benefits package includes generous sick leave and a flexible vacation policy where we encourage team members to take on average 4-5 weeks off each year, and offer 12 paid holidays, 6 weeks of paid family and medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately, full coverage for an excellent health care plan that includes dental and vision insurance, long-term disability and life insurance, and a home office stipend.
• Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on mentorship, support, and long-term growth.