Application Guide

How to Apply for Counsel (Voting Rights Project)

at Fair Elections Center

🏢 About Fair Elections Center

Fair Elections Center is a non-partisan organization dedicated to defending and expanding voting rights through a unique combination of litigation, advocacy, and on-the-ground campus partnerships. Working here means joining a team that directly empowers millions of new voters and fights for free and fair elections across dozens of states, making a tangible impact on democracy.

About This Role

As Counsel in the Voting Rights Project, you will litigate cutting-edge voting rights cases in federal and state courts, while also engaging in legislative and administrative advocacy. This role is pivotal in shaping election law and protecting the right to vote for disenfranchised communities, offering a dynamic mix of courtroom work, policy strategy, and collaboration with grassroots coalitions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve drafting a motion or complaint for an ongoing case, participating in a strategy call with coalition partners, and reviewing new election legislation in a target state. You may also spend time preparing for an upcoming hearing or meeting with campus organizers to address voting barriers, making each day varied and impactful.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Fair Elections Center

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Fair Elections Center Is Looking For

  • A licensed attorney with at least 3-5 years of litigation experience, ideally in voting rights, civil rights, or constitutional law.
  • Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, with a track record of handling complex federal and state court cases.
  • Experience with legislative and administrative advocacy, including drafting comments, testifying, or working with policymakers.
  • Commitment to racial and social justice, with an understanding of the particular barriers faced by marginalized communities in voting.
  • Ability to work remotely and collaboratively with a dispersed team, and willingness to travel for court hearings and advocacy events.

📝 Tips for Applying to Fair Elections Center

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any voting rights or election law experience, even if it's from internships or pro bono work.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal commitment to voting rights with the organization's mission, mentioning specific cases or initiatives they've handled.

3

Demonstrate your ability to work remotely by showcasing examples of self-managed projects or remote collaboration in your previous roles.

4

If you have experience with campus voting or student engagement, emphasize it, as it's a unique aspect of Fair Elections Center's work.

5

Research recent VRP cases and mention them in your application to show you've done your homework and understand their current priorities.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for voting rights and protecting democracy, backed by specific examples of your advocacy or litigation work.', "Your litigation experience, highlighting cases where you've made a significant impact, especially in federal or state courts.", 'Your ability to engage in both litigation and advocacy, showing flexibility and a strategic mindset.', "Your understanding of the importance of partnerships with campuses and community organizations, and how you've collaborated with such groups before."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Fair Elections Center's website and read about their current campaigns and recent litigation (e.g., cases against voter purges or restrictive ID laws).
  • → Look into their campus partnership program to understand how they engage with students and what issues are relevant to young voters.
  • → Check their press releases and blog for recent victories or ongoing advocacy efforts to reference in your application.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the Voting Rights Project's docket and any notable amicus briefs they've filed.
Visit Fair Elections Center's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss a recent voting rights case you've handled or followed, and how you would approach it differently.
2 How would you balance litigation strategies with legislative advocacy to achieve the organization's goals?
3 Describe a time you worked with a coalition or community group to address an election law issue.
4 How do you stay current on the rapidly changing election laws across different states?
5 How would you approach a case that involves novel legal questions or emerging threats to voting access?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic cover letters that don't mention Fair Elections Center or specific voting rights issues—they want to see genuine interest.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of advocacy and policy work; emphasize your willingness to engage in non-litigation strategies.
  • Avoid overlooking the remote aspect—highlight your ability to work independently and manage your time without in-person supervision.

📅 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 Fair Elections Center!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →