What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Fellow position at FIRE?
This position will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or Washington, D.C. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work for eligible employees.This position is not eligible for remote work.
About FIRE
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.
Position Description
FIRE is seeking a talented and driven Legal Fellow to join our dynamic team. The Legal Fellow will write law review articles on FIRE issues and provide legal assistance to FIRE programs. The ideal candidate will have a passion for defending free speech, proficient legal writing, copy-editing, and research skills. The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:
- The primary responsibility for this position is writing 2-3 law review articles per year. The candidate will be responsible for guiding articles through all stages of the writing and review process, from researching and drafting through revision and publication. The candidate will collaborate with FIRE lawyers to brainstorm research topics.
- Secondary responsibilities include:
- Assisting FIRE programs with legal research, analysis, and writing. This includes assistance with drafting amicus briefs and writing legal memoranda on FIRE issues.
- Completing long-term legal research assignments.
- Editing and cite-checking FIRE letters and other publications.
- Writing 2-3 blogs a month for FIRE’s Newsdesk on important legal issues developing in the news or in the courts.
This position also performs other functions that support the day-to-day operation of FIRE and will frequently collaborate with other staff members and departments on general duties and specialized projects.
This position involves a minimal amount of travel. Although projected to be rare, there may be some occasional work on weekends and evenings.
The expected start date for this position is the fall of 2025.Qualifications
A successful candidate will have a good work ethic, be a self starter, and have the ability to work independently. Most importantly, the candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of FIRE’s mission, stances on policy and legal issues, and publications.
- Familiarity with First Amendment and higher education law.
- Proficient legal writing, copy-editing, and researching skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to effectively work and communicate with a team.
- Strong initiative, willpower, and focus.
Candidates must have a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
Salary and Compensation
Starting salary is negotiable and depends upon experience and education level. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance for employees; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.
Applications
Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, a demonstration of work (if possible), salary requirements, and contact information of at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, Chief People Officer.
FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.
