Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) seeks a passionate and creative Litigation Counsel or Senior Litigation Counsel to join our legal team and help us secure our democracy and build a better Washington. This position is a unique opportunity to be on the front lines of the fight for a more ethical, accountable, and open government, while working alongside smart, dedicated and kind people.

As a leading nonpartisan nonprofit government watchdog, CREW is dedicated to preserving our democratic institutions, defending the rule of law, rooting out government misconduct and corruption and fighting the influence of money in politics through legal action and communications grounded by in-depth research. CREW is looking for a creative, driven attorney committed to our mission and values. We welcome diverse skills, backgrounds and experiences.

The Litigation Counsel or Senior Litigation Counsel will report to the Chief Counsel, and work closely with a team of six litigators, two legal fellows and two paralegals.

This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining. The position is based in Washington, D.C. with hybrid work options potentially available.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support CREWs litigation and related advocacy focused on promoting accountability, transparency and ethics in government, preserving our democratic institutions and defending the rule of law.
• Perform and support core litigation tasks including legal research; fact development; drafting pleadings, briefs and legal memoranda; participating in and managing discovery; identifying and working with clients and witnesses; and conducting motion hearings (including motions for emergency relief), evidentiary hearings and oral arguments in trial and appellate courts.
• Identify, develop, and help bring to fruition new litigation matters, including by identifying opportunities to collaborate with partner organizations, pro bono law firms, and potential clients.
• Work on other legal actions including administrative complaints, regulatory comments and open records requests.
• Collaborate with staff across the organizationincluding policy, communications, and research professionalsto support legal and advocacy strategies, and to help translate complex legal issues for wider audiences.
• Participate in coalition meetings, conferences and other external events as a CREW representative.
• Travel as required for litigation, conferences and other engagements.

Qualifications:

We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet each and every qualification listed below.

• J.D. (required).
• Admitted or eligible to waive in for admission to the D.C. Bar
• A minimum of 4 years of substantive litigation experience (including clerkships and fellowships)
• Experience litigating on behalf of or against governments (federal or state)
• Familiarity with one or more of the following areas: administrative law, constitutional law, privacy and data security laws, federal civil service laws, public records laws or election law
• Excellent writing, analytical and research abilities
• Experience independently handling smaller litigation matters or substantial components of more complex litigation
• Experience identifying, developing and operationalizing new litigation matters
• Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills and sound judgment