Description:

The Center for Inquiry is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting the Enlightenment values of reason, science, and secularism. We promote the separation of church and state, the rights of atheists and the nonreligious in the United States and around the world, and the end of pseudoscience wherever it arises. Pseudoscience refers to nonsensical claims wrapped in the garb of scientific truth, such as homeopathy, psychic power, and any form or supernaturalism or religion.

The organization was founded by luminaries such as Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, James “The Amazing” Randi, and Paul Kurtz. This is the most recent Progress Report that gives an overview of the organization and its work.

Duties:
The staff counsel is responsible for directing litigation at the trial court and appellate levels, amicus brief writing, building a pro bono corps of volunteer counsel, as well as providing legal advice to the CEO and Board of Directors, and assisting all CFI's programs with legal queries and questions.

Internal Work (25%):

Work with the General Cousel on advising Officers and Board of Directors on day-to-day issues and strategic developments;
Provide legal advice to magazines and digital products, including both intellectual property and defamation issues;
Ensure compliance with human resource and labor law;
Cooperate with audit processes;
Monitor legal and regulatory developments impacting the organization.
Supervise and maintain CFI's portfolio of intellectual property;
Assist in legal aspects of CFI programs

External Work (75%):

Initiate and conduct litigation on the issues relevant to the mission of CFI;
Write amicus briefs in cases in which CFI has an interest;
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
Engage and supervise pro bono counsel on cases relevant to the mission of CFI;
Maintain and expand a pro bono corps of attorneys interested in assisting CFI;
Maintain records of the legal department;
Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local law regulations.
Regularly communicate with donors, members, the CEO, and the board of directors through regular reporting and other writings;
Build and maintain a budget;
Assist the Development Department in soliciting public and foundation support for CFI's Legal Department and activities.

The position reports to the General Counsel.

Location:
The position is fully remote; but can be in-office or hybrid if the candidate resides in the Los Angeles or Buffalo area.

Qualifications:

Law degree (JD) from accredited school;
Membership in good standing of a state bar;
At least 3-5 years litigation experience;
Excellent writing (both legal and general) and public presentation skills;

A successful candidate will show commitment to CFI's mission of challenging pseudoscience and the promotion of equality for atheists and the nonreligious.

Compensation:
Salary: $90k to $105K depending on skills and experience.

Benefits: health/dental insurance, retirement matching, life insurance, and paid time off.

CFI is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year