Consumer Attorney: Telecommunications, Robocalls, and Federal Consumer Protections

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.

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.

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.