Senior Legal Fellow

Job Overview:

The Senior Legal Fellow (Election Protection) will be responsible for assisting clients and internal stakeholders to understand and respond to election and voter related issues in states for the 2026 elections. The Senior Fellow will work with internal and external attorneys, policy experts, and researchers to help analyze election and voting laws, provide legal guidance to the organization and state officials, and support legal research and litigation. This is a full-time, limited-term position that will serve for a 16-month term.

Responsibilities:

• Perform all duties in accordance with States United’s values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

• Track issues related to the 2026 midterm elections, stay up to date on case law related to elections and voting, and advise clients on election laws, including with respect to contests and certification of election results.

• Assist clients with litigation and other legal projects by conducting factual, legal, and strategic analysis, and devising relevant theories and materials, and cases, in close coordination with other States United attorneys.

• Provide technical assistance and expert legal advice to state offices, stakeholders, partners, coalition members, and others who seek assistance from States United, including but not limited to creating white papers and reports analyzing election and voter related laws and actions and assisting with scenario planning for the election.

• Assist in developing and drafting amicus briefs related to elections and voting on behalf of non-partisan and bipartisan signatories.

• Work with colleagues in the Research, Communications, and Strategy and Partnerships Departments to analyze legal issues and develop public education and other materials on election protection.

Minimum Requirements:

• Attorney with active bar license, and:
  • For a Senior Fellow, a minimum of 9 years of post-law school experience.

• Team player who can work with other members of the organization, including other attorneys, legal support staff, communications, and researchers, and who can coordinate with internal and external legal teams.

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues 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.

• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.

• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 15% travel time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on issues of election protection and/or voting rights is strongly preferred.

• Experience working with state officials, including governors or attorneys general, is a plus.

We encourage individuals to submit their Application for consideration even if they believe they do not have all the preferred qualifications.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The starting salary for this position is $170,000+ commensurate to experience.
• Benefits include 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off.

We have offices located in Boston, MA, Brooklyn, NY, and Washington, DC. This position may also be remote within the United States, with travel to attend organizational and team meetings and conferences, and other travel as needed.

States United Democracy Center 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.