Counsel (Contract), Disgorgement

Protect Democracy • Contract • Remote (United States) • $175 - $200 / hour • 7h ago

Counsel (Contract)

Protect Democracy seeks a highly motivated and experienced attorney to consult on an anti-corruption initiative on a contract basis for four to five months. While there is a possibility of contract extension, we do not anticipate this role transitioning into a full-time role.

What you’ll do:

Research and analyze existing federal/state authorities for disgorgement and asset recovery, including but not limited to civil asset forfeiture, False Claims Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and SEC’s disgorgement authority;
Help assess the practical strengths and limits of each, including how they map onto identified fact patterns;
Identify legislative fixes to gaps in current law that limit the government's ability to recover money for the public, and;
Develop potential litigation to deter ongoing corruption and recover ill-gotten profits of corruption for the public.

Who we're looking for:

An attorney with significant experience (5-10 years) litigating public and/or private anti-corruption matters. Ideally, someone with experience in the federal government bringing cases that used disgorgement or other civil recovery remedies.
Deep, hands-on familiarity with several of the authorities above (i.e. FCA, FCPA, § 981 forfeiture, SEC disgorgement).
Strong legal research and writing skills.
Experience drafting legislation or legislative proposals is a strong plus.

At Protect Democracy, we believe that a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences strengthen our ability to analyze problems, craft solutions, and drive meaningful change. We welcome applicants with significantly more experience than the minimum listed, and we are looking for candidates with a strong commitment to our mission of preventing our democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government

Terms. Approximately 100 hours over 4–5 months, at $175 - $200/hour (depending on experience). We are a remote organization; contractattorneys can work from any location in the United States as long as they are in compliance with all applicable bar membership rules. Contractors must also have their own mobile and laptop devices.

How to Apply: We will review applications on a rolling basis — interested candidates should apply as soon as possible. To apply for this contract position, please email ellinor.heywood@protectdemocracy.org with your resume and a cover letter that speaks to your specific and relevant experience. The priority application deadline for this role is July 24, 2026. Candidates should be prepared to start within two weeks of an accepted offer.