Constitutional Accountability Center Constitutional Accountability Center

Appellate Counsel

About CAC

The Constitutional Accountability Center (CAC) is dedicated to fulfilling the inherently progressive promise of the Constitution’s text, history, and values.  As a nonprofit law firm and think tank, we work in our courts, through our government, and with legal scholars to make real the rights and freedoms the Constitution provides for all in America.  CAC does principally amicus briefing at the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, and our work spans a wide range of substantive issues.

To make real the promises of our national charter, we must honor and celebrate different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds, and especially the contributions of historically marginalized communities.  As an organization, we make every effort to live by these ideals and help create the conditions that will allow all individuals and communities to thrive.  CAC is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to the recruitment, development, and retention of talented and diverse staff who believe in true justice and equality for all people.

CAC operates with a hybrid work schedule, with all staff working in the Washington, DC office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

To learn more about the Constitutional Accountability Center, please visit www.theusconstitution.org. 

Position Summary

CAC seeks an experienced attorney to join our litigation team as either Senior Appellate Counsel or Appellate Counsel, depending on the level of experience.  The attorney’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • Researching and drafting amicus briefs for filing at the Supreme Court and in lower federal courts;
  • Substantively reviewing and/or editing colleagues’ amicus briefs;
  • Evaluating cases for possible amicus support and developing text-and-history arguments to be made in amicus briefs; and
  • Writing blog posts and other opinion pieces related to our litigation and otherwise engaging in public communications around our litigation.

The position reports to CAC’s Chief Counsel.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

  • a J.D. and an excellent academic record;
  • 3-7 years of legal work experience post-law school, including federal clerkships and/or experience with appellate litigation;
  • membership in the District of Columbia Bar or be eligible upon hire to seek admission without examination;
  • demonstrated skills in brief writing and appellate advocacy;
  • outstanding legal analysis, writing, and editing skills;
  • excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills;
  • ability to be a team player as well as a self-starter; and
  • dedication to a progressive vision rooted in the Constitution’s text and history.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $90,000 – $120,000, depending on experience.

CAC provides an excellent benefits package to our staff, including health, dental, and vision insurance, FSA and SmarTrip benefits, a 403(b) match after one year, three weeks of paid vacation, one week of paid sick leave, one week of paid personal leave, and paid leave for federal holidays.

How To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, résumé, law school transcript, and one recent legal writing sample.  Please include a cover page accompanying the writing sample that briefly explains the context in which it was written, and whether and how the sample was edited based on suggestions from others.  Only complete applications will be considered.

Please send your application materials in one PDF to Olurotimi Odewole at olurotimi@theusconstitution.org.