Application Guide

How to Apply for Counsel (Contract), Disgorgement

at Protect Democracy

🏢 About Protect Democracy

Protect Democracy is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to preventing authoritarianism and defending democratic institutions in the United States. Working here means contributing to high-impact legal and policy efforts that directly safeguard democratic norms and combat corruption at the highest levels.

About This Role

This contract Counsel role focuses on developing legal strategies to recover ill-gotten gains from corruption through disgorgement and asset recovery. You will research existing authorities, identify legislative gaps, and help design litigation to deter corruption and return money to the public, making a tangible impact on accountability.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching federal court decisions on disgorgement, drafting a memo analyzing the applicability of the FCPA to a new corruption scenario, and participating in a strategy call with the legal team to prioritize legislative targets. You may also review proposed legislation and provide input on potential litigation theories.

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🎯 Who Protect Democracy Is Looking For

  • A litigator with 5-10 years of experience in anti-corruption cases, ideally with a background in federal government (e.g., DOJ, SEC) handling disgorgement or civil recovery remedies.
  • Deep hands-on familiarity with at least several key authorities: False Claims Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, civil asset forfeiture (18 U.S.C. § 981), and SEC disgorgement.
  • Strong legal research and writing skills, with experience drafting legislation or legislative proposals as a significant plus.
  • Ability to think strategically about how legal tools map onto real-world corruption fact patterns and to propose practical, innovative solutions.

📝 Tips for Applying to Protect Democracy

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific cases where you used disgorgement, FCA, FCPA, or forfeiture remedies, including outcomes and amounts recovered.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your federal government experience to the mission of Protect Democracy, showing how your work directly combatted corruption.

3

Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to analyze complex legal authorities and propose legislative or litigation strategies.

4

Research Protect Democracy's recent campaigns and lawsuits (e.g., voting rights, anti-corruption) and reference them in your application to show alignment.

5

Since it's a contract role, be clear about your availability and willingness to work on a project basis, and highlight your ability to work independently remotely.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your direct experience with disgorgement or civil recovery remedies in federal anti-corruption cases.', 'Show your understanding of the gap between existing authorities and the need for legislative fixes.', "Demonstrate your commitment to Protect Democracy's mission of preventing authoritarianism and promoting accountability.", 'Highlight any legislative drafting experience or strategic thinking about systemic reform.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Protect Democracy's current anti-corruption initiatives and any related litigation or policy work on their website.
  • → Read their recent reports or blog posts on disgorgement, forfeiture, or legislative reform to understand their perspective.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key cases or legislative proposals they have supported, such as the For the People Act or anti-corruption measures.
  • → Understand the organizational structure of Protect Democracy and how legal teams collaborate with policy and communications teams.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a specific case where you used disgorgement or asset forfeiture. What was the outcome and what challenges did you face?
2 How would you assess the strengths and weaknesses of the False Claims Act versus SEC disgorgement for recovering corruption proceeds?
3 Describe a situation where you identified a gap in existing law that limited recovery. How did you address it?
4 How do you stay current on developments in anti-corruption law and legislative proposals?
5 Given Protect Democracy's mission, how would you prioritize which corruption fact patterns to pursue for litigation?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application without tailoring your experience to anti-corruption and disgorgement specifically.
  • Avoid overemphasizing private sector experience without clearly connecting it to public interest or government work.
  • Don't overlook the contract nature of the role—ensure you are comfortable with a non-permanent, remote position and communicate that clearly.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Protect Democracy!

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