National Litigation Team Staff Attorney

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press•Washington, DC

12h•$118,600 - $134,700

About The Position

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee), established in 1970, provides pro bono legal representation, amicus curiae support, and other legal resources to protect First Amendment freedoms and the newsgathering rights of journalists. The organization serves news organizations, reporters, documentary filmmakers, media lawyers, and others who utilize its online resources. The Reporters Committee is hiring a staff attorney to enhance its capacity to quickly address legal threats to press freedom and ensure journalists nationwide have access to necessary pro bono legal resources. This Staff Attorney will primarily offer direct legal services, including representing the Reporters Committee, news organizations, and individual journalists in impact and defense litigation concerning newsgathering and First Amendment rights. Additionally, the Staff Attorney will contribute to the Reporters Committee’s amicus and pre-publication/vetting practices and will organize and conduct trainings for journalists and news organizations. This is a full-time position.

Requirements

Admitted to practice law in Washington, D.C. or eligible for admission to practice law in Washington, D.C.
A minimum of four years of experience litigating cases in state and federal court
A passion for protecting press freedom and a strong desire to support the work of journalists across the country
Outstanding legal research skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise—or demonstrated experience successfully managing—the work of less-experienced attorneys
Excellent public speaking and oral communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a broad range of clients and stakeholders
Sound judgment and the highest level of professional integrity

Nice To Haves

Substantial experience with media law matters is preferred

Responsibilities

Representing journalists and news organizations in litigation and other matters involving access to judicial records/proceedings, freedom of information, and other newsgathering and First Amendment matters. This includes, among other things: intake/case selection and other strategy decisions; drafting correspondence, administrative appeals, pleadings, briefs, and other filings in trial and appellate courts; negotiating with opposing counsel; assisting in supervising the work of legal fellows and interns; and appearing on behalf of clients in state and federal court
Drafting amicus briefs and—depending on the seniority level and experience of the attorney—supervising the work of more junior RCFP attorneys on amicus briefs in cases presenting important newsgathering and First Amendment issues
Educating journalists about First Amendment and newsgathering rights, including by conducting trainings for journalists and news organizations on media law topics
Counseling journalists, including documentary filmmakers, on legal issues related to newsgathering, access to information, libel, and privacy in connection with the Reporters Committee’s pre-publication partnerships