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.  The Constitution is our national charter, amended over the generations to become more just, equitable, and inclusive.  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, with meaningful justice and equality for all.

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.

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 is an equal opportunity employer, and we particularly encourage people who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latino/Latina or Latinx, Asian American or Pacific Islander, and from other underrepresented communities to join us.

CAC has adopted a hybrid work schedule with all staff working in the Washington, DC office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  All CAC staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to work in the office.  

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

Position Summary

The Appellate Counsel’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Researching and drafting briefs for litigation at the Supreme Court and in lower federal courts;
• Reviewing cases and making recommendations regarding possible amicus support; and
• Writing blog posts and other opinion pieces related to our litigation and otherwise engaging in public communications around our litigation.

The Appellate Counsel reports to CAC’s Chief Counsel.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• a J.D. and an excellent academic record;
• 2 – 5 years of legal experience post-law school;
• membership in the District of Columbia Bar or be eligible upon hire to seek admission without examination;
• strong English reading and writing skills;
• outstanding research and writing skills;
• excellent attention to detail;
• experience using Westlaw and The Bluebook;
• demonstrated dedication to a progressive vision, and
• ability to be a team player as well as a self-starter.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $80,000 – $90,000, depending on experience.

CAC provides an excellent benefits package to our staff, including health, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, SmarTrip benefits, three weeks of paid vacation, one week of paid sick leave, and paid leave for federal holidays.

How To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, résumé, law school transcript, and relevant 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.

Please send your application materials to Keo Xiong at keo@theusconstitution.org.