Job Number:
HC-04668
Date Posted:
April 7, 2026
Position Title:
Legal Director
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Office/Company:
Public Citizen
Reports To:
Location:
Washington, DC
Contact:
Salary:
$169,762–$179,809
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
Public Citizen is a national, non-partisan, public interest group with more than 1 million members and supporters. We hold the government and corporations accountable with campaigns and advocacy before Congress, administrative agencies, and the courts, on issues including money in politics, open government, financial regulation, energy and the climate crisis, fair trade, consumer protection, access to justice, tax policy, workplace safety, drug and medical device safety, healthcare, and more.- Help build and manage a team: Assist with hiring and take the lead on managing a group of legal strategists, researchers, and investigators conducting our criminal accountability work. Bottom-line the program’s legal theory development and legal strategy.- J.D. required. 10–20 years of experience in a relevant research- and writing-intensive strategic litigation job. Management experience is strongly desired. Some experience as a prosecutor or criminal defense attorney is a plus.
Responsibilities:
• - Develop legal strategies: Develop legal strategies to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for wrongdoing.
• - Work with state and local prosecutors: Maintain communication with district attorney and attorney general offices.
• - Strengthen our legal support network: Develop high-level relationships with attorneys and others at relevant NGOs and law firms.
• - Media and public education: Conceive and produce written materials in collaboration with team members, including editorial board memos, op-eds, social media content, and blog posts.
• - Make things happen: Above all, make a difference. Do the research, write the memo, recruit the partners, hold the meetings, work with the coalitions, speak with the officials, organize the events—do what’s needed to advance this work toward victory.
• - Other duties as necessary.
Qualifications:
• - Outstanding strategic thinking and oral and written communication abilities.
• - High energy, enthusiasm, persistence, and attention to detail. Ability to work independently, balance multiple priorities, and react to new developments under pressure. Creative and collaborative spirit.
• - Knowledge of and experience in the climate accountability space is a plus, while eagerness and ability to learn quickly.
• - Strong commitment to the cause and understanding of its urgency.
Instructions:
Submit a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample combined in a single PDF to [email protected].
Other:
Public Citizen staff are represented by SEIU Local 500. Two-year grant contingent position. Generous benefit package, including: Great medical and dental coverage, 100% paid by PC, including full coverage for children.
