Ward 6 Councilmember and Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety Charles Allen
seeks a highly qualified Special Counsel to join his Committee staff.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety is a high-volume Council committee with
oversight of the performance and budgets of more than thirty District agencies, boards, and
commissions.

The Special Counsel will primarily handle criminal justice and victims’ services issues for the
Councilmember and will serve as the Committee’s liaison to the Metropolitan Police Department,
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Office of Police Complaints, Office of Victim Services &
Justice Grants, Sentencing Commission, and Criminal Code Reform Commission. The primary
responsibilities of the Special Counsel will be:

 Working with the Committee Director to implement the Councilmember’s policy agenda and
manage staff;
 Securing passage of legislation referred to the Committee;
 Drafting legislation on topics within the Committee’s jurisdiction;
 Drafting committee reports, policy memoranda, written remarks, and talking points;
 Preparing the Councilmember for hearings;
 Monitoring the performance and budgets of agencies, boards, and commissions within the
Special Counsel’s portfolio;
 Attending meetings with District and federal agencies, interest groups, advocates, Council
and Executive Branch staff, constituents, and residents;
 Representing the Councilmember on task forces and advisory groups;
 Responding to agency- or issue-based constituent services matters; and
 Monitoring current events and best practices in local, state, and federal policy within the
Special Counsel’s portfolio.

QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must be District residents or have the ability to become District residents within 180
days after appointment. Applicants with a background in the legislative process and criminal justice
issues are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will possess:
 Three to four years’ post-law school experience;
 A passion for progressive public policy;
Political intuition;
 A strong work ethic;
 The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, varied environment;
 Critical thinking skills;
 Strong organizational skills and the ability to independently multitask;
 Attention to detail;
 A sense of humor; and
 A strong interest in District matters.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, brief writing sample (policy memoranda
encouraged), and three references to:
Laura Marks
Chief of Staff
Office of Councilmember Charles Allen
1350 Pennsylvania