Public Interest Consumer Attorney: Telecommunications, Robocalls, and Federal Consumer Protection Policy

October 10, 2024

The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) is seeking an experienced attorney to work for economic justice for low-income and other disadvantaged communities. As a member of NCLC’s advocacy staff, the attorney will develop and implement strategies that help promote financial stability and asset preservation, combat exploitative practices, and advance racial justice.  The attorney will lead NCLC’s work fighting robocalls and telemarketing fraud in Congress and the federal agencies, and will also work, to a lesser extent, on other federal policy issues impacting low-income consumers.  The position includes strategic and systemic advocacy at the national level, plus research and writing, training, technical assistance, and some state-level work. 

NCLC is a nonprofit, public interest advocacy organization that seeks to build economic security and family wealth for low-income and other economically disadvantaged people.  NCLC is a leading source of legal and public policy expertise on consumer issues for lawyers, federal and state policymakers, consumer advocates, journalists, and front-line service providers. NCLC provides a supportive and flexible working environment, with highly talented and committed staff, exciting work, and the opportunity to have a significant impact on issues affecting low-income consumers.  For more information, please see our website at www.nclc.org.

NCLC has offices in Boston and Washington, D.C.  In addition, a number of its staff members work remotely from other locations.  This position will be based in NCLC’s Washington, D.C. office. The candidate will be expected to work in the office at least two days a week, but may work from home on the other days. Some travel is required for meetings, presentations, and conferences. 

Areas of Focus

For many years, NCLC has been the preeminent voice for low-income consumers regarding robocalls and telemarketing fraud at the Federal Communications Commission, at the Federal Trade Commission, and in Congress.  After a transition period of about a year, the person in this position will lead that advocacy.  The candidate will also work, on a lesser basis, on other federal policy issues, such as the digital divide, high cost consumer credit, unfair and deceptive practices, and access to the courts. The candidate will also contribute to one or more of NCLC practice manuals, primarily in the areas of focus, and to NCLC training events.  

Responsibilities

• Lead NCLC’s work in Congress and the federal agencies on robocalls and telemarketing.
• Contribute to other NCLC federal policy advocacy on topics such as the digital divide, high-cost consumer credit, unfair or deceptive practices, and access to the courts.
• Research and write on consumer issues for NCLC legal practice manuals and other publications, as well as shorter policy briefs.
• Write and present regulatory and legislative comments and testimony; initiate meetings with and respond to requests from policymakers, other advocacy organizations, industry groups, and the media; build and participate in coalitions.
• Maintain and support a coalition of private attorneys who have expertise in robocall and telemarketing issues.
• Provide legal and technical support to private and civil legal aid lawyers, consumer advocates, and government officials.
• Lead or present at workshops and training sessions for lawyers and advocates.
• Develop proactive communication strategies to promote policy goals.

• Develop and manage advocacy projects.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by obtaining grants and contracts.
• Supervise law students on projects.   

Qualifications

• Law degree and admission to the bar in at least one state. 
• At least 7 years of legal experience.
• Experience in and demonstrated commitment to public interest work is required, and experience in consumer or telecommunications law is preferred. 
• History of proactive policy advocacy.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills, including a demonstrated ability to analyze and write about complex legal and public policy issues.
• Outstanding communication and advocacy skills. 
• Ability to think creatively and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• A demonstrated commitment to advocating for equity for low-income and other economically disadvantaged people, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Salary 

NCLC pays on a competitive salary scale, commensurate with years of legal experience.  For example, starting annual pay at 7 years is $123,000, 10 years $137,000, 15 years $152,000. 

Benefits 

NCLC offers an outstanding and generous benefits package that includes employer-paid medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as pre-tax savings plans, a retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and generous paid time off including holidays, sick time, personal time, parental and family leave, and 4 weeks of paid vacation per year.

Relocation assistance is available for candidates who would need to move in order to work in our Washington, DC office. 

How to Apply:  Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] (subject line: Consumer Attorney 2024) and complete the online employment application:

While applications will be considered on a rolling basis, priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply by 11/18/2024. We expect this role to be filled in early 2025. 

The National Consumer Law Center values diversity, and is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Employment decisions are made based on merit and without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, or to other non-work-related factors. People of color, veterans, people with disabilities, and/or people who identify as LGBTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply.