Application Guide

How to Apply for Counsel

at Protect Democracy

🏢 About Protect Democracy

Protect Democracy is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to preventing democratic backsliding in the U.S. through high-impact litigation, policy advocacy, and strategic communications. Working here means joining a mission-driven team of lawyers and advocates who have a proven track record of winning major cases defending voting rights and democratic norms.

About This Role

As Counsel, you will lead cutting-edge impact litigation and integrated advocacy campaigns to protect election integrity and democratic institutions. This role offers the chance to shape legal strategy, manage case teams, and collaborate with co-counsel on high-stakes cases that directly affect the future of American democracy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a strategy call with co-counsel on a pending voting rights case, followed by drafting a motion or researching a novel legal theory. Afternoon could involve recruiting potential plaintiffs, meeting with advocacy partners, or contributing to internal culture-building initiatives.

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🎯 Who Protect Democracy Is Looking For

  • A seasoned litigator with 5–10 years of experience, including clerkships, and a strong background in election law, voting rights, or impact litigation.
  • Someone who thrives on developing creative legal arguments and can manage complex, multi-faceted litigation or advocacy projects from start to finish.
  • A collaborative team player who can recruit clients, work with co-counsel and opposition counsel, and contribute to a positive organizational culture.
  • An exceptional writer and communicator who can distill complex legal issues for courts, policymakers, and the public.

📝 Tips for Applying to Protect Democracy

1

Tailor your cover letter to highlight specific experience with election law or voting rights cases, including any pro bono or impact litigation work.

2

In your resume, emphasize leadership roles in case teams or projects, and quantify outcomes (e.g., 'Led team that secured injunction in voter ID case').

3

Mention any experience with integrated advocacy (combining litigation with policy or communications) as this is central to Protect Democracy's approach.

4

Demonstrate your commitment to the mission by referencing specific Protect Democracy cases or campaigns you admire.

5

Include a writing sample that showcases your ability to craft innovative legal arguments in a complex litigation context (e.g., a brief or motion in a voting rights case).

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for defending democracy and alignment with Protect Democracy's nonpartisan, mission-driven approach.", 'Specific examples of how you have devised innovative legal strategies or managed complex litigation teams.', 'Your ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders (co-counsel, clients, advocacy groups) to achieve impact.', 'Relevant experience in election law, voting rights, or constitutional litigation, with concrete results.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Protect Democracy's recent cases and campaigns on their website (e.g., election subversion, voting rights, January 6th accountability).
  • → Read their 'About' page and mission statement to understand their nonpartisan approach and strategic priorities.
  • → Look up key personnel (e.g., the Litigation Director) and any recent media coverage or publications by the organization.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the current legal landscape in election law, including major cases like Brnovich v. DNC or recent state-level voting restrictions.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you developed a novel legal argument in a challenging case. What was the outcome?
2 How would you approach recruiting clients for a voting rights lawsuit in a politically charged environment?
3 Given Protect Democracy's nonpartisan stance, how do you ensure your advocacy remains objective and credible?
4 Tell us about a complex project where you had to coordinate multiple team members and outside counsel. How did you manage it?
5 What is your view on the biggest current threat to democratic norms in the U.S., and how would you address it through litigation?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Protect Democracy's specific mission or recent work.
  • Overemphasizing partisan politics or personal political views, as the organization is nonpartisan.
  • Failing to show concrete litigation experience—vague claims of 'passion for democracy' without evidence of hands-on legal work will not suffice.

📅 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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