Senior Legal Fellow, Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at The Heritage Foundation

Washington, District of Columbia, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

04 Mar, 26

Salary

180000.0

Posted On

05 Dec, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Legal Research, Public Speaking, Writing, Coalition Building, Media Relations, Testifying, Policy Advocacy, Judicial Clerkship, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Rights Law, First Amendment, Election Integrity, Administrative Law, Thought Leadership, Project Management

Industry

Think Tanks

Description

Title: Senior Legal Fellow, Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies Reports to: Director, Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies Job Summary: The Senior Legal Fellow (SLF) is responsible for establishing a national reputation in law and judicial studies, conducting original legal research and analysis to advance Heritage’s priorities, and providing leadership and counsel to Heritage staff, policymakers, and the legal community. A recognized expert, the SLF will lead by producing unique authoritative work with minimal supervision, building coalitions across political and ideological spectrums, and acting as a public spokesperson through nationally televised media appearances, radio and print interviews, public speeches and debates, and legislative testimony. The SLF should have extensive knowledge, experience, or scholarship in two, and preferably all, of the following areas of law and legal policy: Constitutional law, particularly structural constitutionalism including separation of powers and federalism principles, and issues surrounding D.C Statehood, and Originalism. Criminal law, including a strong background in all areas of the U.S. criminal justice system and efforts to adopt reforms, as well as highlighting the “rogue prosecutor” movement and how it contributes to rising crime rates. Civil rights law, including a firm understanding of the importance of the even-handed application of laws, the unconstitutionality of racial preferences, and the harms of Critical Race Theory and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and the policies that promote them. First Amendment, including significant familiarity with current legal challenges and policy debates in the area of free speech. Election Integrity, including familiarity with the legal framework for the conduct of elections and redistricting, as well as the arguments in support of robust election integrity measures. Administrative law, including significant familiarity with the regulatory process and rule-making, structural constitutional flaws with federal agencies, delegation debates, the role of federal guidance, etc. Job Duties: Conduct advanced and scholarly legal research. Research and write original and high-quality papers, opinion pieces, legal memoranda, law review articles, and books. Build the relationships and conduct the thought leadership necessary to have Heritage’s policy prescriptions implemented by Congress and state legislatures, administrative agencies, and rules and standards organizations. Speak authoritatively at major public functions and at professional conferences within area(s) of law. Testify regularly before Congress and important commissions, agencies, etc. Develop and maintain high-profile media contacts and visibility and a leadership position in the legal and public policy community. Advise management on programs and legal policy which help maintain Heritage’s leadership position on priority issues. Manage projects as assigned by senior management and the director. Within an approved budget, be able to responsibly commit resources. Qualifications: Education: J.D. required Experience: 10 or more years of legal experience (depending on the type of experience) in private practice, teaching, and/or government service; extensive scholarly publications or other public legal writings (such as appellate briefs or legal opinions); a judicial clerkship is preferred Communication: Excellent public speaker and writer; able to persuade and change minds, both internally and with target audiences. Achievement: Demonstrated ability to achieve decisive changes in the law and public policy Other Requirements: Understand and support the Heritage mission and vision for America, and the department's goals and objectives. Promote policies consistent with Heritage's priorities; speak with one voice. Sound discretion and judgment to manage communications among opposing parties with disparate interests. Ability to work well with a wide range of individuals and organizations and to provide leadership to junior staff. Professionalism: highest possible degree (adaptability, maturity, integrity and accountability). Initiative: highest possible, requiring only general guidance with high degree of independent action. Innovation: good entrepreneurial skills and ability to generate new ideas and approaches to address entrenched problems. Benefits and Salary: The Heritage Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, best-in-class health care, vision, and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement funding, “take what you need” PTO and sick leave, 14 weeks of paid leave for new moms and 6 weeks of paid leave for new dads, among other programs. The salary range for this role is $160,000 - $180,000 annually. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the final salary offered to a selected candidate depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, and other qualifications; internal and external market pay for comparable jobs; and level of hire based on aforementioned qualifications.

Responsibilities

The Senior Legal Fellow is responsible for conducting original legal research and analysis to advance Heritage’s priorities and providing leadership and counsel to staff and policymakers. The SLF will also act as a public spokesperson and produce authoritative work with minimal supervision.