Description:

About The Policing Project
The Policing Project is at the forefront of a new approach to policing.

We believe in “front-end accountability”—that there must be public voice and democratic sign-off before police act, rather than simply when something goes wrong. The goal is achieving public safety that is equitable, non-discriminatory, and respectful of public values.

We pursue this mission by drafting and promoting legislation to regulate policing, and by litigating where these principles are not respected.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a talented public policy expert and advocate to join our legislative team as Senior Counsel. This person will advance legislative and regulatory solutions to many of the most pressing issues facing policing and non-police first response, working with Policing Project colleagues and external stakeholders to turn our recommendations into real-world policy and law.

This role is responsible for helping lead our legislative team's advocacy work. Working closely with the Legislative Director, the Senior Counsel will identify opportunities to influence legislative or executive policymaking and devise engagement strategies. In particular, they will be responsible for developing and implementing state legislative campaigns. They will also be expected to serve as a capable advocate on behalf of the Policing Project, providing expert legislative drafting and policy advice to partners behind the scenes as well as serving as a strong public voice through testimony and media appearances.

If you have significant legislative advocacy experience, policy expertise in public safety and policing or related issues, and a deep passion for achieving just public safety outcomes, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities:
Legislative Strategy and Outreach

Legislative Engagements:

Track policing reform legislation and help determine when and how to engage with policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders.

Partner Relationships:

Build and maintain relationships with policymakers and advocates, and provide technical assistance to them on proposed legislation or regulations. 

Internal Collaborations:

Work with other teams at the Policing Project, including our Reimagining Public Safety, Tech, and Litigation teams, to tailor legislative approaches to their projects.

Advocacy

Written and Oral Advocacy:

Publicly advocate on behalf of our policy recommendations, including through legislative testimony, regulatory comment, expert presentations, and media appearances. 

Policy and Advocacy Materials:

Draft policy and advocacy documents, including policy frameworks, issue explainers, legislative FAQs, op-eds, and content for our website.

Research and Drafting

Policy Research:

Develop and refine new policy through factual, legislative, and legal research.

Legislative Drafting:

Convert high-level policy goals into actionable legislative text, including by drafting new model legislation, drawing up amendments to existing legislation, or adapting legislative language for additional jurisdictions.

Qualifications & Core Competencies
Education:
A law degree or advanced degree in public policy or a related field.

Professional Experience:
At least 6-8 years of professional experience, including in policymaking or advocacy roles.

Familiarity with Policymaking:
Experience with legislative drafting or executive rulemaking, including working with policymakers and advocates. An understanding of the practical realities of policymaking, particularly the legislative process. 

Knowledge of Public Safety Policy:
Strong familiarity and interest in policing and public safety (or related fields), criminal procedure, constitutional law, racial justice, and/or civil rights and civil liberties. 

Skilled Advocate:
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and a demonstrated willingness and ability to maintain and develop professional relationships. 

Organization and Initiative:
Exceptional attention to detail, superb judgment, and the ability to keep many balls in the air. Strong organizational skills and an inclination to be proactive.

The position can be based out of the Policing Project's New York City office (located at NYU Law School) or can be full-time remote, with occasional travel expected.

Salary is commensurate with experience. In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Law, the salary for senior counsel is in the range of $125,000-140,000. Compensation also includes excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and vision. After one year, employees are eligible for tuition remission at certain NYU schools and matching retirement contributions. Further information regarding benefits can be found here. Further information regarding benefits can be found here. (https://www.nyu.edu/employees/benefit/full-time/professional-research-staff/benefits-guide-2026.html)