Staff Attorney, Senior Attorney – Regulatory Affairs, Legal Research

Democracy Forward

Staff Attorney/Senior Attorney focusing on regulatory advocacy and legal research for Democracy Forward. Engaging in federal regulatory processes and supporting pro-democracy initiatives.

Posted 5/27/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $120,000 - $170,000 per yearWebsite

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Hard Skills

legal researchlegal writingdrafting public commentsregulatory analysislitigation strategiespolicy analysisadministrative lawissue area guidespersuasive writingregulatory submissions

Soft Skills

written communicationoral communicationinterpersonal skillscollaborationtime managementflexibilityself-awarenesscommitment to diversityability to work with diverse culturescommitment to social progress

Certifications & Qualifications

J.D.active bar membership

Industry Keywords

federal regulatory processesAdministrative Procedure Actpublic-interest legal advocacypro-democracy movementcoalition partnershipsadvocacy materialslegal memorandaregulatory actionsstrategic interestDemocracy Forward values

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the Director of Regulatory Affairs & Legal Research in monitoring federal regulatory activity, including proposed rules, executive actions, and other administrative actions.
Analyze proposed rulemakings and administrative actions to identify opportunities for engagement.
Draft public comments, responses to requests for information, and other regulatory submissions.
Assist in coordinating timely responses to regulatory actions, including partner engagement and related advocacy materials.
Help maintain systems for identifying, tracking, and prioritizing rulemakings of strategic interest.
Prepare and deliver verbal and written presentations and briefings on legal and regulatory developments to internal teams and external partners.
Help build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, policy experts, and external stakeholders to strengthen the broader pro-democracy coalition.
Conduct rigorous legal research and analysis on emerging administrative, constitutional, and regulatory legal issues to inform Democracy Forward’s litigation and advocacy strategies.
Draft high-quality legal work product—including legal memoranda, issue area guides, and policy papers—that explain complex legal issues for a range of audiences.
Support the development and maintenance of internal research infrastructure to enable rapid, high-quality analysis across teams.
Track legal and policy developments in key issue areas and provide regular updates to internal teams and coalition partners.
Advance proactive engagement in the pro-democracy movement through research and analysis that supports affirmative litigation, amicus briefs, and coalition partnerships.

Requirements

What you’ll need

J.D. required; active membership in good standing in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia, or ability to become admitted.
3-6 years of relevant legal experience for Attorney role, 7+ years of relevant experience for Senior Attorney role.
Demonstrated experience with legal research and writing, including the ability to produce clear, precise, and persuasive written work product
Experience with or demonstrated interest in federal regulatory processes, Administrative Procedure Act litigation, and/or public-interest legal advocacy.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal doctrine for non-specialist audiences.
Ability to manage multiple, competing deadlines and priorities and be nimble and flexible in response to fast-moving legal and policy developments.
Experience working on teams in a collaborative structure.
Well-developed interpersonal skills including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Demonstrated commitment to Democracy Forward’s values of excellence, inclusion, accountability, collaboration, and impact.
Demonstrated commitment to democracy and social progress.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Excellent benefits