Michigan Media Law Attorney - First Amendment & Access

Chapter 13 Trustee Middle District of Alabama; Detroit, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is hiring a Michigan Local Legal Initiative (LLI) Attorney based in Michigan, with preference for Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids. The role supports journalists and outlets in access to records, FOIA, and First Amendment matters, and contributes to amicus practice, pre-publication vetting, and trainings across Michigan.

Travel within Michigan and to Washington, DC is required; reports to the Director of the Local Legal Initiative.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice law in Michigan or eligible for admission in Michigan.
• 3+ to 10+ years of litigation and advising experience representing journalists and media clients.
• Self-directed with ability to handle all aspects of litigation independently.
• Strong leadership with ability to manage matters and junior attorneys.
• Outstanding legal research and excellent written communication.
• Excellent public speaking and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Good judgment and highest professional integrity.

Responsibilities

• Represent Michigan journalists and news organizations in litigation and related matters.
• Provide counsel on legal issues for newsgathering, access to information, libel and privacy.
• Draft amicus briefs and supervise junior staff on complex briefs when needed.
• Educate journalists about First Amendment and newsgathering rights through trainings.
• Respond to hotline inquiries and coordinate with communications staff for public comments.
• Collaborate with Michigan stakeholders and internal teams to promote the LLI and goals.
• Guide and mentor legal fellows and staff attorneys as appropriate.

Skills

Leadership

Legal research

Written communication

Public speaking

Self-directed

Judgment and integrity

Education

Admitted to practice law in Michigan or eligible

Job description

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is hiring a Michigan Local Legal Initiative (LLI) Attorney based in Michigan, with preference for Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids. The role supports journalists and outlets in access to records, FOIA, and First Amendment matters, and contributes to amicus practice, pre-publication vetting, and trainings across Michigan.

Travel within Michigan and to Washington, DC is required; reports to the Director of the Local Legal Initiative.