Senior Counsel, Litigation and Regulatory Affairs

About the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI)
CEI is a nonprofit public policy organization dedicated to promoting the principles of limited government, free enterprise, and individual liberty. CEI employs a full-service approach to policy change that includes legal advocacy, original research, media engagement, and direct interaction with policymakers. CEI’s Center for Law and Litigation has won key legal victories challenging regulatory overreach and defending constitutional principles.

Position Summary
The Senior Counsel will report to the General Counsel and serve as a key leader within CEI’s Center for Law and Litigation. This role involves managing CEI’s active and potential litigation matters, supervising junior legal staff, and ensuring compliance with legal, ethical, and operational policies. The Senior Counsel will also take a leadership role to shape CEI’s litigation strategy, managing complex regulatory comment processes, and serving as a liaison between CEI’s legal team and internal and external partners, including amici, private law firms, and allied institutions. The candidate should be able to develop and advocate public policy proposals and develop materials for non-legal audiences such as congressional staff, media, and the general public. Ideological alignment with libertarian or conservative philosophy is essential, as well as a proven record of working well with a diverse group of people. Candidates will be able to discuss their philosophical alignment with CEI’s mission and vision.

This is a high-responsibility role with the goal of ultimately assuming core duties in several areas.

Key Responsibilities
Litigation Management

Lead and oversee CEI’s litigation strategy and execution, including constitutional and administrative litigation.

Supervise litigation-related workflows, deadlines, filings, and docket management.

Coordinate with outside counsel and pro bono litigation partners.

Regulatory and Policy Work

Ensure integration between legal efforts and CEI’s communications and policy campaigns.

Review and draft public comments in federal and state rulemakings.

Advise CEI’s General Counsel and other leadership on the legal implications of regulatory and legislative developments.

Legal Compliance and Oversight

Work with the General Counsel to ensure legal and ethical compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and bar rules, including D.C. and ABA standards.

Serve as the point of contact for resolving internal legal questions related to litigation, outside representation, and conflicts of interest.

Mentorship and Leadership

Supervise and mentor junior attorneys and legal fellows.

Serve as the acting lead for legal matters in the absence of the General Counsel.

External Representation

Represent CEI at conferences, public panels, coalition meetings, and media engagements.

Build and maintain professional relationships within the liberty legal movement.

Qualifications
J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and active bar membership in the District of Columbia or eligibility to waive in.

Minimum of 7–10 years of relevant legal experience, including litigation and administrative law.

Demonstrated experience managing attorneys and complex legal matters.

Experience drafting or supervising regulatory comments and legal filings.

Strong understanding of constitutional, administrative, or economic liberty law.

Excellent legal writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.

Commitment to CEI’s mission and values.

Highly skilled in managing internal dynamics and external relationships with discretion, tact, and strategic awareness.

Preferred Characteristics
Litigation management experience (federal and state courts).

Familiarity with nonprofit organizational structure and mission-focused litigation.

Strategic thinker and collaborative leader.

Comfortable mentoring and managing junior staff in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Litigation experience with U.S. Department of Justice or other enforcement agencies.

Compensation
Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Full benefits package including health insurance, 403(b), generous leave, and professional development support.

To Apply
Submit a resume, cover letter detailing your interest in CEI and this position, two writing samples (legal briefs or regulatory comments preferred), and salary expectations in one PDF document to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

CEI is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.