Counsel (Entry-Level), Elections and Government Program

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and, preserve constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion. 

The Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program works to improve the administration of our elections so that they are free, fair, and accessible for all voters; reduce the undue influence of private wealth, and amplify the voices of everyday people, in politics; and combat election disinformation that often disproportionately harms voters of color and other political minorities, among other goals. This work aims to bring the ideal of representative self-government closer to reality by eliminating barriers to full and equal political participation, countering racial and other discrimination in our electoral and political systems, and striving to ensure that public policy and institutions represent and reflect the diverse voices and interests that make for a rich democracy.

Position 

The fight for a more secure, responsive, and equitable democracy has never been more urgent. The Brennan Center seeks a talented entry-level attorney to join its team in the Elections and Government Program, working on a range of issues related to defending the security of our elections, breaking down barriers to political participation, restraining campaign finance abuses, countering disinformation, and bolstering the integrity and responsiveness of government. 

The Brennan Center’s methods include legislative and policy advocacy, legal and empirical research and writing, litigation, media communications, and public education. This is an in-person position based in New York City or Washington, D.C. It will require occasional travel.

Note: This is a hybrid position. Staff are currently working from home 2 days a week. This position is based in New York City or Washington, D.C. It will require occasional travel as well.

Responsibilities Include

• Providing research support for reports and policy proposals, including research (legal, social science, and news-based), fact checking, legal cite checking, and proofreading.
• Assisting with policy advocacy, sometimes through work in coalitions, to change policies and laws at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Supporting the preparation of written work (including articles, opinion pieces, speeches, reports, and organizational materials), with opportunities for named authorship.
• Co-authoring reports and policy proposals, with opportunities for named authorship.
• Participating in litigation, including research, brief writing, and strategy development, with team members, allied organizations, and/or pro bono law firm counsel.
• Helping to supervise and mentor program associates and legal and undergraduate interns. 
• Taking on special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

Required: The position requires a J.D. and admission to the bar of the office where the employee is based (or admission within one year of being hired). This is an entry-level position open to applicants who are recent law school graduates, judicial law clerks, and others with 1-2 years of post-law school experience.

Ideal: The ideal candidate will have some combination of the following experiences and qualifications. We recognize that many excellent candidates may not have all these experiences and qualifications and we will provide support for the successful candidate to acquire additional skills.

• Excellent legal research and analysis skills.
• A creative, problem-solving mindset, with demonstrated ability to turn ideas into products or actions.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. 
• Desire and ability to write for a variety of audiences, including the general public. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, including the ability to work with diverse constituencies both inside and outside the organization. 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Comfort working with social science research and experts.
• Openness to feedback.
• Full-time work experience in any field prior to or during law school is a plus.

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true-self and feel a strong sense of belonging. We seek to hire employees who have a commitment to these values. In addition, we expect employees to participate in and contribute to DEI initiatives and activities with respect to recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.

Salary: The salary is highly competitive in the field and commensurate with experience, set according to a published scale. A generous benefits package is provided as well.

Position Start Date: As soon as possible, but no later than September 2022

Applications: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with the position to be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. To apply, please visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/1NzcB3FAKn/Counsel-EntryLevel-Elections-And-Government-Program and upload (in pdf) the following application materials: cover letter; resume; two writing samples (up to 10 pages each); and contact information for three references. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Counsel (Entry-Level), Elections and Government Program” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes and hires applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities and sexual orientations, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and 

• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.