Counsel, First Amendment

Protect Democracy is hiring two Counsel to help protect the right to speak out, protest, and engage in other First Amendment‑protected political activity.

This is a moment of existential consequence for American democracy. At this juncture, Protect Democracy stands as one of the nation’s leading and most respected nonpartisan organizations dedicated to preventing our democracy from further declining into authoritarianism. These roles are a unique opportunity to jump into the work of ensuring that communities can continue to speak out and engage politically despite the increasing use of the military, federal law enforcement, and other levers of federal power to quash protests, quell dissent, and intimidate political opponents.

Joining a newly formed team, you will build on Protect Democracy’s litigation to defend peaceful protest against abusive DHS tactics in Chicago and Portland and expertise on the domestic use of military force.

The people we are looking for are, first and foremost, entrepreneurial and strategic attorneys with experience in First Amendment law. You have exceptional analytic ability; you build bridges within and outside of traditional partnerships; and you are enthusiastic about blending legal, policy, and communications advocacy strategies.

At Protect Democracy, we believe that diversity isn’t just a strength—it’s a necessity for tackling the complex challenges facing our country today. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply. We will consider applicants from almost anywhere in the United States. If you meet most but not all of the criteria listed below but believe nonetheless you’d be a stellar match for the role and could grow into it, we want to hear from you.

The priority Final date to receive applications for this role is December 7, 2025. We are looking to fill this role by early February 2026.

Research and implement innovative legal arguments and potential litigation approaches;

Research, draft, and edit pleadings, motions, and other briefs filed in impact litigation;

Participate in and manage discovery processes, including informal fact-finding and evidence gathering, document review, witness interviews, written discovery practice, depositions, and expert discovery;

Work with the communications team to draft editorials and opinion pieces and develop communication strategies to build support for legal and advocacy strategies;

Work alongside policy advocates to develop and advance legislative and other advocacy proposals;

Contribute to culture‑building initiatives across the organization.

Required:

At least four years of legal experience (which can include judicial clerkships), with experience in First Amendment law;

Bar membership in good standing in the jurisdiction of your residence;

Available to start at Protect Democracy no later than February 9, 2026.

Preferred, but not required:

Experience in impact litigation or representing plaintiffs in civil litigation;

Experience supporting policy advocacy.

The ideal candidate also brings:

A passionate commitment to the preservation of democratic norms and institutions, and an understanding that our democracy has never fully represented communities of color;

Exceptional analytical, writing, and presentation skills directed at both legal and non‑legal audiences;

Ability to track, prioritize, and—where necessary—triage a diverse set of responsibilities to use time efficiently and productively;

Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down and sideways;

Collaborative orientation and a willingness to take on tasks big or small as needed to advance our mission;

Enthusiasm for working with people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;

Excellent, proactive project management skills and comfort managing up, down, and sideways accordingly;

Rigorous attention to detail and the highest standards for excellence in execution.

Compensation

The starting salary range for this role is $138,400 – $157,000, commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience, capabilities and skills and in alignment…