Entry-Level Counsel for NYU Law Graduates, Justice 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. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving 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, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.
The Brennan Center’s Justice Program aims to secure our nation’s promise of “equal justice for all” by tackling racial disparities and economic injustice, promoting a dignity-centered approach to crime and punishment, and creating a rational, effective, and fair justice system. Its priority focus is to reform the criminal legal system to shrink reliance on mass incarceration and mitigate its pernicious effects.
The Justice Program seeks a talented Entry-Level Counsel to join a cutting edge inter-disciplinary team working to create innovative, data-driven solutions to end mass incarceration and support new, holistic solutions to public safety that put communities first. The Entry-Level Counsel will help us build a research and policy agenda to achieve these goals. The Fellow’s focus will be in assisting the Program in researching and drafting reports, briefs, and other public facing work that analyze specific criminal justice subjects in depth, from sentencing reform to conditions of confinement to issues around reentry and rehabilitation. Additionally, the Fellow will provide legal support to advance the Center’s advocacy efforts at the state, local, and federal levels.
This is a full-time, regular position, and not a term-limited.
Note: This is a hybrid position. Staff are currently working remotely 2 days a week. This position is based in New York City. It will require occasional travel as well. This is a permanent, entry-level role the first two years of which are funded by the George A. Katz Fellowship.
The George A. Katz Fellowship affords a recent graduate of New York University School of Law the opportunity to join the Brennan Center for Justice as an entry-level counsel. The Fellowship is generously funded by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in honor of George A. Katz, an alumnus of NYU School of Law and a founding partner of the firm
Responsibilities:
Assist senior staff members in researching, developing, and co-authoring reports, and policy proposals and for a wide variety of audiences – legal, legislative, media, and public - with opportunities for named authorship.
Help senior staff generate new project ideas by researching and drafting concept papers, funding proposals and other written work (including articles, opinion pieces, speeches, and organizational materials)
Manage development and implementation of projects, as assigned.
Work on policy advocacy, sometimes by working in coalitions, to change policies and laws at the local, state, and federal level.
Supervise and mentor junior colleagues, where appropriate.
Take on special projects and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
J.D. required. This is an entry-level counsel position open only to applicants who are recent NYU School of Law graduates with 0 – 2 years of post-law school experience. Recent judicial clerks are encouraged to apply. 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.
Ability to multitask, pay attention to detail, work under pressure, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Self-starter who is eager to work in a team-based environment and is open to feedback from colleagues at all levels of experience.
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. As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.
Applications: Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as appropriate candidates are identified. We hope to expeditiously move through the recruitment process; therefore, we strongly encourage interested applicants to apply early. To apply, please visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/uocJ7PhEou/EntryLevel-Counsel-For-NYU-Law-Graduates-Justice-Program. Please upload each of the following application materials separately: cover letter; resume; two writing samples (up to 10 pages each); and contact information for three references. If applicable, please include Internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples.
Please, no phone calls. Please identify where you saw this ad - it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website.
If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Entry- Level Counsel, Justice Program” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.
Compensation and Benefits:
This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $78,764- $95,806 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after graduation from law school of the selected candidate. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.
In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.
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 against COVID-19, including having a booster, 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 applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
- Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
- 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.