Attorney

FIRE•Philadelphia, PA

18d•$110,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them. Attorneys report to the Chief Supervising Attorney and work collaboratively in a supportive team with other attorneys and staff across other FIRE departments. In this role, you will litigate strategic First Amendment cases in support of FIRE’s mission. In addition to developing their own cases through each stage of litigation, FIRE attorneys are expected to serve as advocates outside the courtroom through media appearances, writing, and public speaking engagements.

Requirements

Demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause
Minimum of 6 years of civil-litigation experience
Ability to articulate FIRE’s mission to various audiences
Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
Excellent legal research skills
Excellent editing skills, including providing actionable feedback to junior attorneys
Exemplary planning and organizational skills, including meticulous attention to detail
Excellent time-management skills and ability to manage a full caseload and handle dynamic and challenging situations
Ability to explain legal concepts to students and non-attorneys
Expertise in discovery rules and methodology
Expertise in the Federal Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure
Expertise in conducting factual investigations into potential cases
Graduated from an ABA-accredited law school
Members of the bar of the jurisdiction in which they are based
Legally authorized to work in the United States

Responsibilities

Identify matters for potential litigation
Recruit and vet potential plaintiffs
Draft memoranda and demand letters for pre-litigation matters
Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and supporting documents
Develop strategies for cases
Direct discovery strategy, including drafting and reviewing discovery requests and responses
Review documents received in response to discovery or public-records requests
Take and defend depositions
Attend and participate in hearings, trials, and other proceedings
Work with paralegals to identify and negotiate with legal vendors for litigation services (e.g., court reporters, discovery vendors), as needed
Assist in drafting amicus curiae briefs
Work with the Communications team to promote and ensure accurate coverage of FIRE’s cases
Assist in devising strategies for securing First Amendment rights in new and unique contexts
Conduct outreach to allied organizations
Regularly write for popular audiences and make media appearances
Present at conferences or other speaking engagements
Supervise and mentor staff attorneys, litigation fellows, summer fellows, and semester law clerks