Program Counsel; Attorney

Overview

Program Counsel for Public Advocacy. This position will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows a mix of in-the-office and remote work for eligible employees. Fully remote work will not be considered for this position.

Founded in 1999, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. Please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to gain a sense of our work and mission.

FIRE seeks a full-time Program Counsel to join our expanding Public Advocacy team, which engages in non-litigation advocacy on off-campus free speech issues.

At FIRE, we believe that free speech makes free people. The right of the individual to speak their mind is fundamental for a free society. We are looking for a talented attorney who will be a zealous and persuasive advocate for First Amendment rights and free speech as a cultural value.

The Program Counsel for Public Advocacy will assist with all aspects of the department’s work and will report directly to FIRE’s Director of Public Advocacy. The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Investigatory work
  • Assist with investigating off-campus free expression matters or issues of interest to the organization not subject to (or ripe for) litigation, including collection of documentation, review of relevant materials, communication with case submitters, and legal research.
  • Review and manage individual case submissions and provide input on potential future action at standing Public Advocacy meetings and over email.
• Editorial work
  • Author and review letters to advocate for expressive rights and/or support of free speech culture.
  • Contribute to FIRE’s public awareness efforts, including writing and reviewing content for FIRE’s website and Substack, helping create social media content, appearing in and drafting scripts for FIRE videos, writing and reviewing op-eds for outside publications, and related tasks.
  • Serve as a primary press contact on non-litigation off-campus free speech matters and conduct interviews for television, radio, and print media as needed.
  • Author, review, and conduct research for internal memorandums and talking points on off-campus free speech issues.
• Other program duties
  • Develop departmental goals related to litigation cases and attend litigation case launch meetings on behalf of Public Advocacy.
  • Assist in outreach efforts to individuals and organizations to help build free speech-based coalitions and draw more individual supporters to FIRE’s work.
  • Attend conferences on behalf of FIRE.
  • Stay current on national and local news regarding issues relevant to FIRE and Public Advocacy’s mission.
  • Read court decisions, reports, scholarly publications, books, and other relevant materials to stay current on free expression issues and trends.

This position will also perform other support functions for the day-to-day operation of FIRE and will frequently collaborate with other staff members and departments on general duties and specialized projects. The role involves a limited amount of travel, and occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected. The expected start date for this position is as soon as possible.

A successful candidate will be outgoing, resourceful, and organized. Most importantly, the candidate must exercise superb judgment and demonstrate a knowledge of and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause.

Demonstrated capabilities:

• Deep understanding of First Amendment law and free speech principles.
• Exceptional writing and copy editing skills.
• Excellent legal research skills.
• Strong factual investigation skills.
• Interpersonal communication skills (phone and email courtesy, ability to properly manage sensitive information and maintain the confidence of case submitters).
• Keen attention to detail.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects…