Impactful First Amendment Litigator

thefire; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression seeks a Staff Attorney based in Philadelphia, PA, or Washington, DC, on a hybrid schedule. The role focuses on litigating strategic First Amendment cases, developing matters at all stages, and engaging in media, writing, and public speaking to advance FIRE’s mission.

Responsibilities include supervising summer fellows and law clerks, collaborating with staff and departments, and occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Graduate of ABA-accredited law school and bar admission in at least one state.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong legal research and analytical abilities.
• Outstanding planning, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts to students and non-attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Litigation: identify matters, draft pleadings, develop case strategies, take depositions, and assist with discovery.
• Outreach and editorial duties: promote FIRE’s cases, engage with allied organizations, write for public audiences, and participate in media appearances.
• Supervise and mentor summer fellows and law clerks; collaborate across departments; travel as needed.

Skills

Advocacy skills

Legal research

Planning & organization

Time management

Explain legal concepts

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Discovery rules knowledge

Evidence & Civil Procedure knowledge

Factual investigation

Education

ABA-accredited law school

Bar admission in at least one state

Job description

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression seeks a Staff Attorney based in Philadelphia, PA, or Washington, DC, on a hybrid schedule. The role focuses on litigating strategic First Amendment cases, developing matters at all stages, and engaging in media, writing, and public speaking to advance FIRE’s mission.

Responsibilities include supervising summer fellows and law clerks, collaborating with staff and departments, and occasional travel.