The Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) is a non-partisan institute within Georgetown University’s Law School. ICAP's mission is to use strategic legal advocacy to defend constitutional rights and values, while working to restore people's confidence in the integrity of their governmental institutions. ICAP’s recent work includes safeguarding rights to free expression, assembly, and democratic participation; combating threats from unlawful private militias and political violence; fighting the criminalization of poverty and other forms of criminal legal system overreach; and defending the rights of young people and marginalized communities.
ICAP’s Senior Counsel is responsible for driving complex, fast-moving, high-impact litigation to defend and promote key constitutional rights and values, as well as related legal rights. Successful candidates will bring diverse litigation experience and exceptional legal abilities. Responsibilities include (1) conceptualizing and effectuating high-impact litigation in defense of constitutional rights and values across a range of issues in state and federal courts nationwide; (2) supporting litigation-adjacent policy development; and (3) ensuring that Georgetown Law students are meaningfully and materially integrated into ICAP’s litigation and policy efforts. Reporting to ICAP's Executive Director and Managing Director, and working closely with ICAP’s team of talented attorneys, partner organizations, and Georgetown faculty and students, the Senior Counsel has duties that include but are not limited to:
Case Work
• Identifying opportunities for high-impact ICAP litigation
• Engaging in factual development for potential cases, including interacting with clients and witnesses, traveling to gather on-the-ground facts, and acquiring and analyzing data
• Conceptualizing litigation strategies for pursuing ICAP litigation
• Drafting briefing materials
• Revising, editing, and providing feedback on briefing materials and ensuring that improvements are made effectively
• Mooting oral advocates preparing to present cases and oral argument in connection with ICAP litigation
• Preparing for and engaging in the presentation of evidence and oral argument at the trial and appellate court levels
• Researching and drafting policy proposals and legislation related to ICAP’s litigation where appropriate.
Academic Design
• Supervising student work in practicum seminar involving students in ICAP litigation
• Providing mentorship, feedback, and guidance to practicum students
• Refining legal writing generated by the practicum and incorporating it into briefing associated with ICAP litigation
• Assisting in the design of academic program offerings
Research Management
• Overseeing and providing feedback on legal research to determine appropriate ICAP involvement in constitutional litigation likely to have an impact at a programmatic or policy level
• Overseeing and providing feedback on legal research to inform ICAP participation in constitutional impact litigation, including in support of written briefing materials and oral argument
• Overseeing and providing feedback on legal research in support of litigation-adjacent policy development
Compensation
$135,000 per year, plus generous benefits.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree and J.D.
• 5 to 7 years of related experience
Preferred qualifications
• 6 or more years of litigation experience after law school (including clerkship time, if applicable)
Applicants who are committed to promoting a sense of belonging and contributing to an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment for all are strongly encouraged to apply.
Georgetown University provides equal opportunity in employment for all persons, and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment in all aspects of employment because of age, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, personal appearance, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to [email protected].