Legal Associate
Cato Institute
Washington, DC0–2 yrs6h agovia LinkedIn
About the Role
The Cato Institute invites applicants with a law degree to apply for its entry-level Legal Associate Program at the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies. This full-time, hybrid position is located in Washington, DC, and is ideal training for a career in pro-liberty litigation. Employment will last for one year and is scheduled to begin in Summer 2027.
Key Responsibilities
- Take the lead on drafting amicus briefs filed in the U.S. Supreme Court and defending individual liberty.
- Develop arguments, communicate with party counsel, research, and draft briefs.
- Assist in other projects, such as editing the Cato Supreme Court Review and researching/writing for other Cato strategic initiatives.
- Be fully immersed in the intellectual life of the Cato Institute and meet/assist scholars.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Law degree.
- Applicants are encouraged to take the bar exam before beginning employment, though this is not a requirement.
- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
- This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
Qualifications
- Independence and trust to take initiative at every stage of the brief-writing process.
- Ability to develop arguments, communicate with party counsel, research, and draft.
- Openness to intensive, one-on-one training and feedback to develop legal writing skills.
Application Process
- Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and (unofficial) law school transcript to Mira Harris at [email protected].
- Indicate in your cover letter if you may have access to outside funding.
- Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Generous vacation and sick leave.
- Paid parental leave.
- Employer-provided life and disability insurance.
- 401(k) with employer match.
- Transit/Parking benefits.
- Pet discount plan.