Policy Counsel

Washington, DC

Full Time

Experienced

DC Justice Lab is a team of law and policy experts researching, organizing, and advocating for large-scale changes to the District of Columbia’s criminal legal system. We develop smarter safety solutions that are evidence-driven, community-rooted, and racially just. We aim to fully transform the District’s approach to public safety and make it a national leader in justice reform.

JOB SUMMARY

DC Justice Lab seeks a Policy Counsel to join our growing team to advance policies and practices that will transform the District’s approach to punishment and public safety. Guided by the expertise of those who are justice impacted, the Policy Counsel will work in a full range of legislative and policy initiatives and research-based advocacy and education.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work collaboratively with justice-impacted community members to understand and identify key policy issues;
Conduct legal and other research, and draft proposed changes in law and policy;
Engage with D.C. Councilmember offices, agency executive offices, courts and other relevant bodies to inform them of DC Justice Lab’s positions on pending legislation and the need for evidence-driven policy reforms;
Draft testimony, talking points, and briefing materials for delivery or use by DC Justice Lab's staff and volunteers;
Track activity of D.C. lawmakers on issues relevant to criminal justice, identifying when DC Justice Lab’s voice is needed; developing a position; and strategizing with our team to determine the character of DC Justice Lab’s participation.

REQUIREMENTS

Must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
Juris Doctor
Excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills
Strong track record of advancing social justice and an understanding of how race, ethnicity, gender expression, sexuality, disability, age, English-language proficiency, and socioeconomic status shape experiences with the District’s justice system
Experience engaging with consultants, team building, and contributing to the development of a positive organizational culture
Agility and ability to quickly course correct in changing or complicated political environments and communities, both internally and externally

SALARY + BENEFITS

The Policy Counsel role is a salaried position. The incumbent will earn between $85,000 and $125,000, commensurate with experience, and will enjoy the following generous benefits package:

Medical: 100% employer coverage of premium (for employee only);
Dental/Vision: 100% employer coverage of premium (for employee only). Insurance is provided through either Aetna or Metlife;
Short-term disability: 100% employer paid coverage through MetLife;
AD&D/Life Insurance: 100% employer paid coverage through MetLife;
401(k): automatic 3% employer contribution toward your retirement fund, regardless of your contribution rate. Administered through Empower; and
A host of perks, including self-managed, unlimited PTO; more than a dozen paid holidays off; Black August (office is closed every Monday during the month of August); staff lunches and happy hours; and more.

REMOTE FIRST ORGANIZATION

DC Justice Lab is a remote-first organization, but the Policy Counsel must live in the DC area (the District of Columbia, adjacent Maryland counties, or Northern Virginia) and be able to work from our office semi-regularly.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

DC Justice Lab is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to you without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, medical condition or disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.DC Justice Lab is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to you without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, medical condition or disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.

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Please submit up to two (2) examples of written materials that you have fully researched, drafted, and edited: one persuasive, advocacy piece; and
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Have you earned a Juris Doctorate from a law school?*

Are you licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, and a member in good standing?*

If you are not licensed to practice law in any of the jurisdictions above, are you licensed in another jurisdiction? If so, which jurisdiction(s)?*

Are you willing to relocate to the District of Columbia or the DMV in 2025?*

If you could change one thing about D.C.’s criminal justice system, what would it be, and why?*

Washington, D.C.’s electorate is characterized as very progressive. Why do you think the change you’d like to see hasn’t already happened?*

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Policy Counsel

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