Legal Fellow (Nevada)

The States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization focused on the critical role states play in election protection, invites applicants to apply to be a Democracy Fellow. 

About the organization:   

The States United Democracy Center is a nonpartisan organization advancing free, fair, and secure elections. We connect state and local officials, law enforcement leaders, and pro-democracy partners across America with the tools and expertise they need to safeguard democracy. We are guided by a bipartisan Advisory Board of former state and federal officials, issue experts, and law enforcement leaders from both major political parties who are committed to protecting the will of the people and the rule of law.

Job Overview:

The Fellow will be a member of the organization’s legal department, reporting to a Senior Counsel. They will join our team for two years. The Fellow will work on Nevada-based election protection projects for States United in collaboration with internal and external lawyers. The Fellow will analyze Nevada election and voting laws and election administration procedures, provide legal guidance to the organization and state officials, and support litigation and election-related work to protect elections, voting, and democracy.  This position will be located in Nevada.

Responsibilities: 

• Assist in research, guidance, litigation, and legal projects by conducting factual, legal, and strategic analyses related to election administration in Nevada.
• Support litigation of cases in state and federal courts, working closely with other States United attorneys, state officials, and external counsel. 
• Conduct legal research and provide guidance and analysis of Nevada election and voting laws; analyze bills, laws, and legal activity on elections and voting; and develop legal, research, and policy updates, guidance, and materials.
• Track and stay up to date on election and voting law changes and cases.
• Draft materials, memos, guidance, and research for the legal and other teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Attorney/JD with active Nevada license.
• Superior legal research and writing abilities and verbal communication skills.
• Our preference is for an attorney with 2-5 years of practice experience.

Required skills and knowledge:  

• Collaborative team player who can work positively and productively with a diverse group of colleagues and coordinate with internal and external legal teams. 
• Experience working in a demanding and fast-paced environment.  
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as necessary.
• Outstanding judgment about both case/legal issues and organizational issues. 
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, including drafting and editing complex briefs and legal analysis.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.

While not mandatory, the following types of experience will be helpful to the role:  

• Academic or work experience related to some aspect of the protection of voting rights, elections, or democracy in the United States; 
• A working knowledge of Nevada law related to elections and voting.
• Experience working with state officials, including governors, secretaries of state or attorneys general; 
• Experience supporting litigation. 

Salary begins at $92,000 and will be commensurate with experience as well as 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off.

The position will be based in Carson City or Las Vegas, Nevada.

Application Process: 

Applicants should submit a CV/resume, cover letter/letter of interest, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) consisting of 5-7 pages of legal analysis. 

States United is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.