Description:
This position is for an immediate opening and will be based in Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. A Non-Profit Group operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work for eligible employees.A Non-Profit Group is expanding its litigation capabilities and is seeking full-time staff attorneys with at least three years of legal experience. The attorneys in this position will engage in strategic litigation on First Amendment issues to bring about real-world impact. In addition to litigating First Amendment cases in support of A Non-Profit Group's mission, FIRE staff attorneys defend free speech by advocating outside the courtroom through media appearances, writing, and public-speaking engagements.
Candidates should have exceptional research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills, a demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment while balancing a full workload, and a strong commitment to public-interest litigation. Ideal candidates will have completed a federal judicial clerkship.
Job Responsibilities:
Staff attorneys report to A Non-Profit Group's Vice President of Litigation and work collaboratively in a supportive team with other attorneys and staff across other A Non-Profit Group departments.
Staff attorneys will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:
- Analyzing cases for litigation potential and developing cases.
- Researching and drafting demand letters, pleadings, discovery requests and responses, motions, briefs, and other documents.
- Reviewing documents received in response to discovery and public records requests.
- Taking and defending depositions.
- Arguing motions in court and participating in hearings, trials, and other proceedings.
In addition, staff attorneys are responsible for media appearances, public speaking, and educating the public on A Non-Profit Group's litigation efforts. This position will involve a substantial amount of travel, and work on weekends and evenings should be expected in accordance with the demands of litigation.
Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for A Non-Profit Group's mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. A candidate must have at least two years of civil-litigation experience and must also be able to demonstrate:
- Exceptional legal research, critical thinking, and writing skills.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain legal concepts to students and non-attorneys.
- Excellent organizational and case-management skills, including meticulous attention to detail.
- Extensive knowledge of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Exemplary planning skills, including an ability to handle dynamic and challenging situations.
- A strong work ethic and demonstrated ability to work productively across disciplines and with people of differing views.
- A desire to pursue a career in public-interest litigation.
Candidates must have graduated from an ABA accredited law school and be members of the bar of the jurisdiction in which they are based.