Lawfare News

The Week That Will Be

Tia Sewell, Matt Gluck
Monday, August 10, 2020, 5:17 PM

Lawfare's weekly round-up of event announcements and employment opportunities.

Published by The Lawfare Institute
in Cooperation With
Brookings

Event Announcements (More details on the Events Calendar)

Monday, August 10, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.: Brookings will host a webinar on the current AI landscape and how policy options now will determine the future implications of the technology. Nicol Turner Lee, director of the Center for Technology Innovation, will moderate a discussion with Brookings’ President John Allen and Senior Fellow Darrell West on the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.: The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) will host an online event on the scramble for vaccines and the COVAX facility. Panelists Nikolaj Gilbert, president and CEO at PATH; Kendall Hoyt, assistant professor of medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College; and Nicole Lurie, Strategic Advisor to the CEO at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI), will join Margaret “Peggy” Hamburg, commissioner on the CSIS Commission on Strengthening America’s Health Security. The panel will speak about the internal initiative, COVAX, which seeks to globalize vaccine production and distribution.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.: The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace will host an online event featuring panel conversation on Lebanon following last week’s deadly explosion in Beirut. Leading Lebanon experts Ishac Diwan, Paul Salem, Maha Yahya and Kim Ghattas will discuss the way forward for the people of Lebanon and their political future.

Wednesday, August 12 at 9:00 a.m.: CSIS will hold a webinar on recent developments and future conflict resolution in the South China Sea. The event will feature a discussion between James Kraska, professor of international maritime law at the U.S. Naval War College; Robert Beckman, head of the Ocean Law and Policy Programme at the National University of Singapore; Trang Phạm Ngọc Minh, lecturer at Vietnam National University; and Gregory B. Poling, senior fellow for Southeast Asia and director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.: The Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies will host an online event on fighting election-related disinformation. Speakers from the new Election Integrity Partnership including Elena Cryst, Emerson T. Brooking, Kate Starbird, Isabella García-Camargo and Camille Francois will discuss what can be done to tackle electoral disinformation.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.: CSIS will host an online event featuring a conversation with John C. Demers, assistant attorney general for national security, and James Andrew Lewis, senior vice president and director of the Technology and Policy Program at CSIS. Demers and Lewis will discuss the threat of Chinese espionage to U.S. security.

Employment Announcements (More details on the Job Board)

The following are job announcements of potential interest to Lawfare readers. If you have an announcement to add to the page, email us.

Program Associate/Special Assistant to the Executive Director,
NYU Reiss Center on Law and Security and Center for Cybersecurity

Overview

The Reiss Center on Law and Security at NYU School of Law (RCLS) and the NYU Center for Cybersecurity (CCS) seek an enterprising, dynamic candidate to serve as Program Associate/Special Assistant to the Executive Director and contribute to all aspects of the centers’ work. This position offers an opportunity to work at leading institutions engaging on many of the most challenging and complex law and policy issues of our time.

The Reiss Center on Law and Security is a non-partisan multidisciplinary research institute focused on cultivating an informed dialogue, educating the next generation of leaders and fostering groundbreaking research on the vital legal, policy and strategic questions that will shape the national security field for years to come. The Center convenes panels, conferences and workshops; publishes research and writing on innovative and topical issues for both academic and popular discourse, ranging from short-form pieces to major research projects; and creates academic programs and resources for students at NYU School of Law. The Reiss Center is also home to Just Security, the online forum on law, rights and national security.

The Reiss Center’s Executive Director, Faculty Directors and Fellows/Affiliates have significant collective experience in national security law and policy. Current and former affiliates include: a former homeland security advisor to the President; numerous former government attorneys, including a former White House Counsel, a former Deputy Legal Adviser to the National Security Council and former General Counsel of the FBI; a former Director of Policy Planning at the State Department; a former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center; regional and foreign policy experts; and legal scholars.

The NYU Center for Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary research institute at New York University that is dedicated to training current and future generations of cybersecurity professionals and to shaping both public discourse and the legal, policy and technological landscape on issues of cybersecurity. Its unique structure as a partnership between NYU School of Law and the Tandon School of Engineering (along with other NYU schools and departments) provides exciting opportunities to examine cybersecurity law and policy while supported by deep technical expertise. CCS also runs several scholarship programs for law and engineering students to help enrich students in the cyber field.

CCS’ recent activities at NYU School of Law have included conferences on cybercrime enforcement; women leaders in cybersecurity; transatlantic perspectives on data privacy and security; and emerging deepfake technology in the public and private sector contexts. Affiliates of CCS include the former General Counsel of Verizon; former Chief of Economic Crimes in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey; and a host of experts in engineering, policy and regulation.

Responsibilities

The Program Associate/Special Assistant will work closely with the RCLS Executive Director, RCLS/CCS Director of Operations and Strategic Development and leadership and affiliates of RCLS and CCS to contribute to these world-class academic and policy research centers. Specific duties include:

  • Conduct research on national security, foreign policy, cybersecurity and related issues, including for the RCLS Executive Director and RCLS/CCS leadership and affiliates—ranging from news-driven rapid response projects to major, multi-month innovative research projects;
  • Assist in strategic planning for the centers’ programs, including conceiving and developing new events and initiatives;
  • Help lead and execute communications efforts, managing the centers’ WordPress-based websites and enhancing their online presence through social media, email and news media outreach, including through the use of Twitter and MailChimp;
  • Coordinate event preparation, including sending invitations and managing RSVPs, corresponding with speakers, helping design and prepare materials for distribution and providing other logistical support;
  • Manage and coordinate student interns in providing administrative support to RCLS and CCS;
  • Liaise with the centers’ fellows and external partners, speakers and other leaders in the field;
  • Assist the centers’ leadership with research and preparation for the national security and cybersecurity coursework they will teach at NYU Law;
  • Provide occasional research and drafting for leadership at Just Security.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, History or related field with superior academic record. Advanced degree and/or several years’ work experience in related fields strongly preferred;
  • Excellent research, proofreading and editing skills;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Background and interest in U.S. foreign policy and national security and/or cybersecurity and tech policy;
  • Experience with communications and social media work is a plus, as is an eye for graphic design and experience with WordPress/web publishing;
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills with a keen attention to detail;
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work calmly in a fast-paced environment;
  • Ability to not only work collaboratively with others but also to act as a self-starter with substantial independence and keen judgment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their cover letter, resume and unofficial transcript(s), in that order, as a single PDF file to rcls.law@nyu.edu, with “Program Associate Application” in the subject line. Materials should be addressed to Ms. Sarvenaz Bakhtiar, RCLS/CCS Director of Operations and Strategic Development. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Naval Warfare Analyst

The President, U.S. Naval War College, invites applications for anticipated full-time faculty openings in the Strategic and Operational Research Department (SORD) at the Center for Naval Warfare Studies in Newport, RI. These anticipated openings are available to support a number of ongoing and emergent research programs within the department.

The Naval War College is a Professional Military Education (PME) institution serving the nation, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Navy. U.S. and selected international graduates earn Master of Arts degrees in National Security & Strategic Studies or Defense & Strategic Studies accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The College educates and develops future leaders through the development of strategic perspective, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, as well as enhancing the capability to advise senior leaders and policy makers. The College also helps to define the future Navy and its roles and missions; supports combat readiness; strengthens global maritime partnerships; and promotes ethics and leadership throughout the force. More information on the college can be found at www.usnwc.edu.

Strategic and Operational Research Department. The Strategic and Operational Research Department (SORD) produces innovative research and analysis for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. interagency, and the broader national security community. It also generates new scholarship in security studies and actively participates in the broader academic community. The SORD department is one of three in the Center for Naval Warfare Studies at the Naval War College, the others being the War Gaming Department and the Stockton Center for International Law. It is home to a number of specialized centers, institutes, and advanced research groups that foster deeper levels of research, analysis, and teaching on subjects of critical interest for the Navy: the China Maritime Studies Institute, the Cyber and Innovation Policy Institute, the Russia Maritime Studies Institute, and the Halsey, Mahan, and Brodie groups. The SORD department’s faculty employ varied and multi-disciplinary approaches to national security issues, generating new knowledge for the Navy and the Department of Defense. The department’s faculty are educated in a range of social sciences, humanities, sciences, and critical languages, and the faculty consists of civilians and retired and active-duty military officers.

Advanced Research Groups (ARPs). There a number of ARPs within SORD that produce applied research and analysis on a series of regional, operational and strategic challenges facing the naval and joint force now and in the future. These research programs involve group work, individual study, faculty collaboration, wargaming, workshops, and research trips to national labs, operational commands, the Pentagon and a wide range of other DoD, academic, and private sector organizations. Most of the groups include a mix of full-time faculty and volunteer resident students from the College who contribute to the research of the ARPs for their master’s degree and JPME academic credit. From exploring emerging warfare technologies to developing operational concepts and strategy, ARPs give the student scholars practical experience that can be applied to their careers. Moreover, the ARPs provide direct input to key planners and decision-makers in the U.S. naval force, across DoD and the U.S. interagency.

Qualifications and Competencies. Candidates must have an advanced degree and experience in assessing and evaluating strategic, operational, and tactical warfare concepts. A Master’s degree is required, a Ph.D. is highly preferred. Desired attributes include: knowledge of U.S. and/or foreign naval and joint technical capabilities and concepts of operations, or equivalent practical experience in advancing technology and functional capabilities; knowledge of naval and joint warfare in all phases of operations from peace time to high-end combat; and/or a background in nuclear topics and strategic deterrence. Experience may have been gained by leading and conducting research, systems analysis, systems operation, and/or development and execution of warfighting operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures within the DoD environment. Experience on research teams, as well as war gaming experience is preferred, but not required.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and capable of obtaining a Department of Defense TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. The selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment drug screening test and to random drug testing thereafter.

Salary Considerations. Salary is competitive and accompanied by a generous federal benefit package that includes health insurance and retirement saving plans, paid vacation, and sick leave, and other benefits. Rank and salary are commensurate with experience and credentials in accordance with the Department of the Navy Faculty Pay Schedule.

Applications. Applicants must reference VA#NWC-20-10 and submit their application package to: nwc-20-10@usnwc.edu. The application package must include: (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) names and contact information for three references. Applications will be accepted until 30 September 2020.

Active duty members may apply under this announcement but are subject to eligibility requirements of the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (VOW). Active duty members must submit a statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide branch, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days after being submitted with your application.

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement dated to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.

Questions should be directed to the hiring committee chair, Professor Peter Dutton, at duttonp@usnwc.edu.

The Naval War College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Security Studies, U.S. Naval War College

The President, U.S. Naval War College, invites applications for anticipated full-time faculty openings in the Strategic and Operational Research Department (SORD) at the Center for Naval Warfare Studies in Newport, RI.

The Naval War College is a Professional Military Education (PME) institution serving the nation, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Navy. U.S. and selected international graduates earn Master of Arts degrees in National Security & Strategic Studies or Defense & Strategic Studies accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The College educates and develops future leaders through the development of strategic perspective, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, as well as enhancing the capability to advise senior leaders and policy makers. The College also helps to define the future Navy and its roles and missions; supports combat readiness; strengthens global maritime partnerships; and promotes ethics and leadership throughout the force. More information on the college can be found at www.usnwc.edu.

Strategic and Operational Research Department. The Strategic and Operational Research Department (SORD) produces innovative research and analysis for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. interagency, and the broader national security community. It also generates new scholarship in security studies and actively participates in the broader academic community. The SORD department is one of three in the Center for Naval Warfare Studies at the Naval War College, the others being the War Gaming Department and the Stockton Center for International Law. The SORD department is home to a number of specialized centers, institutes, and advanced research groups that foster deeper levels of research, analysis, and teaching on subjects of critical interest for the Navy: the China Maritime Studies Institute, the Cyber and Innovation Policy Institute, the Russia Maritime Studies Institute, and the Halsey, Mahan, and Brodie groups. The SORD department’s faculty employ varied and multi-disciplinary approaches to national security issues, generating new knowledge for the Navy and the Department of Defense. The department’s faculty are educated in a range of social sciences, humanities, sciences, and critical languages, and the faculty consists of civilians and retired and active-duty military officers.

Responsibilities. SORD faculty conduct research and analysis across a broad spectrum of areas relating to security studies including strategy and grand strategy, military and maritime operations, conventional and nuclear deterrence, political economy, area studies, and other Navy-related topics. Duties may also include design of and participation in wargames, exercises, and workshops/conferences in support of the Navy and the DOD. SORD faculty will be expected to support student research and remain current and productive in their academic fields of study.

Qualifications and Competencies. Qualified candidates must have an advanced degree from an accredited university. A master's degree is requires. A research-oriented Ph.D. is highly preferred. Ph.D. candidates who are close to defending their dissertations (ABD) as well as practitioners with relevant and significant experience in the field will be considered. Demonstrated familiarity with the capability to analyze issues of war and the use of military force is required. Knowledge of future military technologies, capabilities, and strategies is desirable. Candidates should have ongoing research projects or be engaged with ongoing planning relating to war, security and strategy that they can continue at the Naval War College.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and capable of obtaining a Department of Defense TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. The selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment drug screening test and to random drug testing thereafter.

Salary Considerations. Salary is competitive and accompanied by a generous federal benefit package that includes health insurance and retirement saving plans, paid vacation and sick leave, and other benefits. Rank and salary are commensurate with experience and credentials in accordance with the Department of the Navy Faculty Pay Schedule.

Applications. Applicants must reference VA#NWC-20-08 and submit their application package to: nwc-20-08@usnwc.edu. The application package must include: (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) names and contact information for three references. Applications will be accepted until 30 September 2020.

Active duty members may apply under this announcement but are subject to eligibility requirements of the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (VOW). Active duty members must submit a statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide branch, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days after being submitted with your application.

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement dated to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.

Questions should be directed to the search committee chair, Professor Peter Dutton, at duttonp@usnwc.edu.

The Naval War College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Policy Portfolio Director, R Street Institute

The R Street Institute—a free-market think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with regional offices across the country—seeks an organized, energetic, experienced Portfolio Director to oversee our technology and innovation, cybersecurity and national security policy efforts. The core aspects of this role focus on development, fundraising and project management. If you want to join an organization and do something extraordinary, this may be just the opportunity you need.

Your typical day at R Street may include helping divide responsibilities for a new project between experts on our various teams, helping outline a potential organizational response to a recent cyber attack and meeting with a foundation program officer to discuss R Street’s potential role in a new effort. This role is part of our management team and will report to and work closely with the Associate Vice President of Policy.

Other Aspects of Your Role

  • Establish a clear policy strategy for the Technology and Innovation, Cyber and National Security portfolio, demonstrating broad familiarity with programming and serving as a brand ambassador.
  • Oversee portfolio budget and facilitate cross-functional processes for fundraising, proposal development, and financial analyses.
  • Lead fundraising efforts, including: ideation, proposal development, pitching and closing deals.
  • Apply uniform standards for business assessment to analyze viability of policy programming and develop growth strategies where appropriate.
  • Supervise portfolio staff and ensure project deliverables are high quality, highly credible and timely.
  • Oversee hiring and managing staff with competency-based learning and assessment methods.
  • Leverage contextual decision-making to manage conflict.
  • Serve as a catalyst for activities which create high morale by demonstrating organizational norms and leading with integrity, humility, and resilience.
  • Prioritize the organization’s needs while concurrently demonstrating empathy to build strong internal and external relationships.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Demonstrated ability to oversee and deliver sophisticated, multi-part projects and budgets. Familiarity with Salesforce and project management software preferred.
  • A record of success in development/fundraising, with an emphasis on articulating and realizing strategic business goals, particularly in a nonprofit environment.
  • At least five years of management experience involving oversight of multiple full-time W-2 employees.
  • Demonstrated ability to make difficult management choices, often without full information.
  • No particular educational background is required; proven ability to achieve results is far more important than credentials.
  • Aligned with our mission for free markets and limited, effective government.
  • A sense of humor and a desire to grow with a dynamic organization.

Demonstrated understanding and achievement in one or more of the particular policy areas is highly desirable but not absolutely required. This is a job for someone who has a firm grasp of fundraising, nonprofit business strategy and management. In other words, while familiarity with our policy content is a plus this job is not primarily about doing our policy work.

This is a full-time job based in Washington, D.C. However, for the duration of COVID-19 related closures, this position will be required to work remotely until our office reopens. The job will require some travel, almost all of it within the United States.

R Street strives to provide a compensation package superior to those at other think tanks and nonprofits. In addition to a competitive salary, we provide a health insurance option entirely paid by the employer (even for families); wellness benefit; employer-subsidized mobile phones benefit; 401(k) contributions with up to a four percent match; and an exceptionally generous vacation policy. We were named to Washingtonian Magazine’s “Great Places to Work” List and take pride in providing an exceptional environment for our employees.

R Street does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, era of military service, gender identity, relationship structure or anything else that's illegal, immoral or stupid to use as a basis for hiring.

We currently plan to accept applications for this job until filled. We will contact ideal individuals for video interviews and plan to conduct them on a rolling basis. Due to COVID-19, we will hold interviews virtually via Zoom until our DC office reopens. To apply, please upload a cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Digital Services Intern Summer 2020, The National Security Institute

The National Security Institute (NSI) seeks a Digital Services Intern for summer 2020 with the potential to extend through the fall.

About NSI:

The National Security Institute (NSI) at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School is dedicated to finding real-world answers to national security law and policy questions. We strive to provide balance to the public discourse on the most difficult national security challenges facing the United States and its allies.

NSI also serves as a platform for research, teaching, scholarship, and policy development that incorporates a realistic assessment of the threats facing the United States and its allies as well as an appreciation of the legal and practical challenges facing our intelligence, law enforcement, border security, and cybersecurity communities.

As a Digital Services intern, you will work closely with the NSI staff to

  • Widen digital reach of NSI events and programs;
  • Promote the work of NSI’s group of experts, including its Fellows, Advisory Board, and faculty; and
  • Develop new media products, such as promotional and/or educational videos.

Responsibilities:

  • Creating social media content for platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn;
  • Researching technology trends to better understand digital topics and staying up to speed on the latest industry terminology;
  • Drafting content and updating the NSI website;
  • Editing and uploading videos of virtual events and NSI promotional materials;
  • Editing audio content of NSI’s “Fault Lines” podcast; and
  • Assisting with other projects as needed.

Required Qualifications:

  • Holds an undergraduate degree or currently enrolled in an undergraduate program;
  • Has a passion for the digital space and a deep understanding of digital trends and technologies;
  • Has deep knowledge of social media platforms;
  • Has Microsoft Office Suite;
  • Has availability to work 20 hours/week and
  • Has availability on some evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Degree or current undergraduate program in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or a related field;
  • Experience with WordPress, Canva, Tweet Deck, Hootsuite, Mailchimp and/or Audacity; and
  • Based in the DC Metro area.

How to Apply:

If interested, please submit a resume and cover letter to nsi@gmu.edu with the subject line, “Application: NSI Digital Services Intern, [Lastname]”

Senior Fellow, Cybersecurity and National Security, R Street

The R Street Institute—a free-market think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., with regional offices across the country—seeks a skilled, energetic and experienced senior fellow to join and help shape the direction of our national security and cybersecurity program. We want somebody who lives and breathes cybersecurity—who knows the field from many angles and has a passion for applying practical knowledge to pressing policy challenges—and who understands it in the context of the broader national security interests of the United States.

Cybersecurity is one of R Street’s premier policy areas. Our current team brings extensive knowledge from long careers at high levels in the military, government and private industry. Our staff regularly appear on major television networks, testify before Congress and write for the nation’s largest newspapers. We want somebody to join and further advance an already strong and healthy team. In this context, we are particularly interested in candidates who offer diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Your typical day at R Street might include finishing edits on a paper about 5G technology, consulting with a congressional staffer about the cybersecurity elements of a proposed financial services bill, giving a colleague comments on an op-ed they have written and meeting with allies to discuss plans for a joint briefing on Capitol Hill.

Other Aspects of Your Role

  • Oversee two resident fellows and three non-resident senior fellows that comprise the cybersecurity and national security team.
  • Help formulate a national security and cybersecurity policy strategy with internal operational (strategy and business development) and integrated policy (technology and innovation) units.
  • Build connections between the cybersecurity and national security communities.
  • Work with R Street’s external collaborators to advance joint objectives in the cybersecurity realm.
  • Speak to the media and at public gatherings with comfort across omnichannel communications.
  • Develop alliances and partnerships with industry, governmental and nonprofit players.

Skills and Qualifications

  • 10 or more years of experience in cybersecurity, with connections to the law enforcement, national security and intelligence communities. People who have approached the field from a variety of perspectives—such as those who have worked in both the private sector and for law enforcement—are particularly desirable.
  • Proven public speaking skills; experience on television is a plus.
  • Experience dealing with the media.
  • Excellent writing ability, ideally as demonstrated by a meaningful mix of scholarly and non-academic publications.
  • A proven network of contacts relevant to the position and a reputation in the field.
  • Alignment with our mission of advancing free markets and limited, effective government.
  • A sense of humor and a desire to grow with a dynamic organization.

This is a full-time job. For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be done from your home. Going forward, it will be based in Washington, D.C. The job will require some travel inside and outside the United States.

R Street has experience working with individuals whose work must go through review for national security purposes. Previously having worked extensively with sensitive information should not be a barrier to applying for this job. No particular educational background is required: Proven ability to achieve results is far more important than credentials.

R Street is proud to be on Washingtonian Magazine’s Great Places to Work list and we’re proud to provide a top-notch working environment. As such, we strive to provide a compensation package superior to those at other think tanks and nonprofits. In addition to a competitive salary, we provide a health insurance option entirely paid by the employer (even for families), wellness benefits, an employer-subsidized mobile phones benefit, 401(k) contributions with up to a 4 percent match and an exceptionally generous vacation policy.

R Street does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, era of military service, gender identity, relationship structure or anything else that's illegal, immoral or stupid to use as a basis for hiring.

We currently plan to accept applications for this job until filled. We will contact ideal individuals for telephone interviews and conduct them on a rolling basis. We will plan to conduct later round interviews by video conference but may request in-person interviews at some point depending on the operating status of Washington, D.C.

To apply, please upload a cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format. If you are unable to describe previous positions in detail or name the particular places you worked, please use your resume and cover letter to outline your competencies and interest in this job.

Staff Attorney 1, Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) - Georgetown University Law Center

The ICAP Staff Attorney 1 will bring to bear advanced legal skills and extensive litigation experience to drive ICAP' s complex litigation work, including with responsibilities (1) to pursue impact litigation in defense of constitutional rights and values and (2) to involve Georgetown Law students in such efforts. The ICAP Staff Attorney 1 will have duties that include, but are not limited to:

  • Engage in legal research and fact gathering, as well as draw on legal research and fact gathering provided by students, research assistants, and other ICAP attorneys, to assist in crafting constitutional impact litigation strategies in close coordination with the lnstitute's Legal Director and Executive Director.
  • Draw on extensive previous legal experience, will carefully draft, revise, and edit briefing materials to be filed in court pertaining to those cases; will assist in mooting the advocates presenting and arguing the cases; and may have opportunities to present and argue cases at the trial court and appellate level.
  • Support ICAP's leadership in overseeing a practicum seminar designed to involve Georgetown Law students in understanding the nature of constitutional impact litigation and in contributing to ICAP's work.
  • Responsible for conceptualizing and implementing litigation strategies and tactics in complex court cases, including cases involving multiple plaintiffs and defendants; class actions; cases involving a wide range of legal claims, potentially to include a mix of federal-law and state- law claims; and cases arising in federal courts as well as in state courts around the country.

The ICAP Staff Attorney 1 will be supervised by ICAP's Executive Director and Legal Director. The ICAP Staff Attorney 1 will work closely with ICAP's other attorneys engaged in factual development, legal research, writing, and case presentation in support of ICAP's litigation efforts. Additionally, the ICAP Staff Attorney 1 will, as circumstances dictate, interact with other Georgetown Law faculty supporting ICAP's work on particular cases and with students participating in the practicum seminar offered in connection with ICAP's work. In doing so, the ICAP Staff Attorney 1 will be critical to fulfilling ICAP's mission of harnessing the talent and expertise of Georgetown Law's faculty and students in contributing to strategically selected, complex constitutional litigation on cutting-edge issues and exposing the law school community to such work.

Qualifications

  • Required are a B.A. and a J.D., and 2 years of experience.
  • Preferred is experience as a federal court clerk, ideally to include at the district court level, as well as 2-5 years of experience in legal work after law school (including clerkship time), ideally in litigation

Staff Attorney 2, Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) - Georgetown University Law Center

The ICAP Staff Attorney 2 will drive results in complex, fast-moving, high-impact litigation to defend key constitutional rights and values, as well as related legal rights. He or she will do so by employing diverse litigation experience as well as exceptional legal abilities. The ICAP Staff Attorney 2’s responsibilities will include (1) conceptualizing and effectuating high-impaction litigation in defense of constitutional rights and values and (2) ensuring that Georgetown Law students are meaningfully and materially integrated into those litigation efforts. In particular, the ICAP Staff Attorney 2 has duties that include, but are not limited to:

  • Engage in factual development and legal research, and will draw on legal research provided by students, research assistants, and other ICAP attorneys to assist in conceiving of and then driving constitutional impact litigation strategies in close coordination with the Institute’s Legal Director and Executive Director. This will include determining when litigation represents a promising mechanism for pursuing the defense of constitutional rights, then conceptualizing how litigation might be used in such circumstances and exploring the possibilities of filing such a suit—to include the identification of, and outreach to, potential plaintiffs and partner organizations.
  • Draw on high-level previous litigation and legal writing experience and the years of feedback received on it, will carefully draft, revise, and edit briefing materials to be filed in court pertaining to those cases, at times with ultimate responsibility for the filings themselves; will assist in mooting the oral advocates presenting and arguing the cases; and will present evidence and oral argument directly in courts, potentially at all levels of the state and federal court systems.
  • Often assume the lead role in individual cases, subject to the supervision of the Legal Director and Executive Director.
  • Closely support ICAP's leadership in overseeing a practicum seminar designed to involve Georgetown Law students in understanding the nature of constitutional impact litigation and in contributing to ICAP's work.
  • Responsible for identifying opportunities for, then developing and acting on, litigation strategies and tactics in extremely complex court cases, including cases involving multiple plaintiffs and defendants; class actions; cases involving a wide range of legal claims, potentially to include a mix of federal-law and state- law claims; and cases arising in federal courts as well as in state courts around the country.

The ICAP Staff Attorney 2 will be supervised by ICAP's Executive Director and Legal Director. The ICAP Staff Attorney 2 will work closely with ICAP's other attorneys engaged in factual development and legal research and writing in support of ICAP's litigation efforts. Additionally, the ICAP Staff Attorney 2 will coordinate directly with ICAP’s co-counsel in litigation and, moreover, will interact with other Georgetown Law faculty supporting ICAP's work on particular cases and with students participating in the practicum seminar offered in connection with ICAP’s work. All told, the ICAP Staff Attorney 2 will be essential to fulfilling ICAP's mission of harnessing the talent and expertise of Georgetown Law's faculty and students in designing and effectuating strategically selected, complex constitutional litigation on cutting-edge issues and exposing the law school community, including students in the ICAP practicum, to such work in meaningful ways.

Qualifications

  • Required are a B.A. and a J.D.
  • Preferred is experience as a federal court clerk, ideally to include at the district court level, as well as 6-10 years of experience in legal work after law school (including clerkship time).

Executive Director, UnLocal

UnLocal, a community-centered nonprofit organization providing legal representation and community education to New York City’s undocumented immigrant communities, is seeking nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director.

UnLocal is committed to a community-centered, grassroots approach to protecting the rights and enhancing the lives of undocumented immigrants in New York City and providing legal representation to clients who are typically passed over by peer organizations. UnLocal’s model of addressing the needs of immigrants at a community level has promoted its rapid expansion to meet new levels of demand as local, state, and federal policies have been enacted that result in widespread violations of immigrants’ rights. In the past two years, UnLocal’s annual budget has nearly doubled from $700,000 to $1.3 million.

As it continues to build capacity through this period of growth, UnLocal seeks a leader who will steward a shared vision that is responsive to community needs and is driven by the passion and commitment of UnLocal’s team and Board members; who will build and cultivate relationships with all external stakeholders – including community leaders, funders, and partners; and who will lead operational and programmatic oversight across the organization. Succeeding UnLocal’s well-respected founder, Michele Lampach, the new leader will support UnLocal’s dedicated and talented team and direct the organization’s continued development to best serve New York’s immigrant communities. The ED will work closely with staff across the organization and at all levels to continue to foster UnLocal’s unique culture of creativity and collaboration and identify opportunities for increased support and development.

The ideal candidate will be an inclusive, passionate leader with a deep understanding of the tools and pathways for protecting the rights of and serving undocumented immigrants by delivering the highest quality legal and community education services. She/He/They will bring leadership experience in a legal and/or nonprofit setting and a deep focus on community centered advocacy. She/He/They will be adept at fundraising and skilled in developing new relationships and deepening existing relationships with funders. The new Executive Director will be a caring manager who excels at supporting, mentoring, and motivating staff; developing structures and processes that ensure services are customer and community centered; and supporting teams that work closely with individuals experiencing trauma. A deep connection to UnLocal’s mission to support and protect the rights of New York City’s undocumented immigrant communities is necessary, and lived experience and a personal connection to impacted communities is highly preferred.

Professional Staff Member/Security Officer, The House Committee on the Judiciary

Job Description:

The House Committee on the Judiciary seeks a Professional Staff Member/Security Officer. Responsibilities include participating in a wide range of oversight projects, assisting in preparation for Committee hearings and markups, providing research assistance, and managing access to the Committee’s secure facility. Ideal candidates should be highly detailed oriented, experience handling large volumes of information, and demonstrated ability to meet precise deadlines. An active security clearance is a plus. The Committee strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the country’s population; candidates from minority backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. The Committee does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including marital or parental status, sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, age, or national origin. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Job.JDEM@mail.house.gov. Please include in the subject line: PSM/Security Officer.

Attorney-Advisor, Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB)

Job Title: Attorney-Advisor

Agency: Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board

Salary Range: $99,172 – $156,000/ Per Year

Series/Grade: The agency uses the Administratively Determined system in which rank is attached to the individual. The salary range for this position is statutorily capped at $156,000.

Position Information: This is an opportunity for permanent employment in the excepted service. You will be required to serve a two-year trial period.

Duty Location: Washington, DC

Who May Apply: Open to the public. U.S. citizenship required.

Security Clearance: Must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET – Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS-SCI) Security clearance. If you already have a TS/SCI clearance, please highlight your last investigation date in your application.

Agency Mission
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board’s responsibilities comprise two basic functions: oversight and advice. In its oversight role, the Board is authorized to continually review the implementation of executive branch policies, procedures, regulations, and information sharing practices relating to efforts to protect the nation from terrorism, in order to ensure that privacy and civil liberties are protected. The Board is also authorized to continually review any other actions of the executive branch relating to efforts to protect the nation from terrorism, in order to determine whether such actions appropriately protect privacy and civil liberties and whether they are consistent with governing laws, regulations, and policies regarding privacy and civil liberties. In its advice role, the Board is authorized to review proposed legislation, regulations, and policies related to efforts to protect the nation from terrorism (as well as the implementation of new and existing policies and legal authorities), in order to advise the President and executive branch agencies on ensuring that privacy and civil liberties are appropriately considered in their development and implementation.

The primary purpose of this position is to perform duties as an Attorney-Advisor, working under general supervision in the form of broad policy and program guidance. Attorney-Advisors are expected to accomplish assigned functions on their own initiative, independently formulate requirements, responsibly allocate available resources, and develop, recommend, and monitor implementation of agency policies and procedures. Prior experience related to legal and policy issues implicating privacy, civil liberties, and/or counterterrorism or national security matters is strongly preferred.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Serve as an attorney with limited supervision while gathering factual information, conducting legal and policy analysis, and providing legal expertise to the Board in complex investigations and/or reviews.

  2. Prepare memoranda and make appropriate recommendations to the Board.

  3. Respond in writing and orally to inquiries from Members of the Board regarding the status of investigations and/or reviews, research and analysis, and policy implications of existing and proposed programs and making recommendations to the Board.

  4. Summarize reports received from the intelligence community and other agencies and extract essential information.

  5. Assist the Board in reviewing and analyzing federal counterterrorism programs pursuant to its mission to ensure that both existing and proposed programs adequately safeguard privacy and civil liberties.

  6. Advise and assist in the identification of issues and recommendations by providing policy advice, conducting research, and carrying out investigations, as required.

  7. Analyze privacy and civil liberties-related issues, national security and counterterrorism programs and assist the Board in understanding how programs operate.

  8. Assist in drafting Board reports evaluating efforts to protect the nation from terrorism and other Board reports to the President, Congress and the public, as well as drafting congressional testimony, letters, and other documents to carry out the Board’s responsibilities.

  9. Represent the Board in interactions with officials from other departments and agencies of the Federal government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, as required.

  10. Utilize superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, logical, and concise products that are targeted to and meet the needs of diverse audiences with different perspectives and objectives, while demonstrating analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to identify issues and to develop process improvements, and working effectively and collaboratively with team members and other agency employees.

Educational Requirements
Must possess a J.D. or LL.B. and be a member in good standing of a state bar or the District of Columbia bar.

Application Process
Please send the following required documents to jobs@pclob.gov with the title “Attorney-Advisor”: Cover letter, resume, and writing sample (10 pages or less). If you are less than 3 years out of college or law school, please also include a transcript. All submitted materials must be at the UNCLASSIFIED level. If all the materials above are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Candidates selected for an interview may be asked to provide references and undergo a writing assessment.

A candidate’s application may be considered for other eligible vacant positions at the agency. The candidate will be contacted if considered for another eligible vacant position.

Closing Date
A panel will convene to evaluate applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. A review of your application will be made to determine whether you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be evaluated. Candidates will be placed into categories of “best qualified”, “qualified”, and “not qualified”. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be placed in a different category. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your categorization.

No Travel Expenses for Interview
Candidates from outside the Washington, D.C., area may be selected for a telephone or in-person interview. If selected for an in-person interview, any travel or lodging will be at the applicant’s personal expense.

Telework, Travel and Benefits
Telework may be made available per agency policy.

If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our budget office can provide additional information on how this program is run.

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.


Topics:
Tia Sewell is a former associate editor of Lawfare. She studied international relations and economics at Stanford University and is now a master’s student in international security at Sciences Po in Paris.
Matt Gluck is a former research fellow at Lawfare. He holds a BA in government from Dartmouth College.

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