Amicus Attorney

Amicus Attorney

This position is for an immediate opening and will be based in Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work for eligible employees.

FIRE is expanding its litigation capabilities and is seeking a full-time Amicus Attorney. The attorneys in this position will engage in strategic litigation on First Amendment issues to bring about real-world impact. 

Candidates should have exceptional research, critical thinking, and writing skills, a demonstrated ability to produce polished, thoughtful writing on deadline, and a strong commitment to public-interest litigation. Ideal candidates will have completed a federal judicial clerkship. 

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. Because colleges and universities play a vital role in preserving free thought within a free society, FIRE places a special emphasis on defending the individual rights of students and faculty members on our nation’s campuses. Please visit www.thefire.org to gain a sense of our work and mission.

The Amicus Attorney reports to FIRE’s Legal Director and works collaboratively in a supportive team with other attorneys and staff across other FIRE departments.

The Amicus Attorney will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Evaluating and tracking requests for amicus support.
• Identifying opportunities for strategic amicus participation.
• Drafting amicus briefs and supporting documents.
• Maintaining metrics on amicus victories and other key performance indicators regarding FIRE’s amicus work.
• Updating amicus pages on FIRE’s website and drafting blog posts related to FIRE’s amicus briefs. 
• Working with the Communications team to promote and ensure accurate coverage of FIRE’s amicus filings.
• Coordinating with allied organizations on amicus briefs.

In addition, the Amicus attorney may be responsible for media appearances, public speaking, and educating the public on FIRE’s amicus efforts. This position will involve periodic travel. Work on weekends and evenings should be expected in accordance with the demands of litigation.

Candidates must 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. A candidate must have at least three years of civil-litigation experience and must also be able to demonstrate:  

• The ability to articulate FIRE’s mission to various audiences.
• Excellent written advocacy skills.
• Excellent legal research skills.
• Exemplary planning and organizational skills, including meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent time-management skills to manage multiple amicus filings and handle dynamic and challenging situations.
• The ability to explain legal concepts to students and non-attorneys.
• Ability to work productively across disciplines and viewpoints.
• Proficiency with the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. 

Candidates must have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school and be members of the bar of the jurisdiction in which they are based.

The projected salary range is $70,000-$90,000 based upon experience and education level. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a superior benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.

Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, approximately 10-page writing sample, and contact information for at least two legal references. The cover letter should include when you are available to start and the location of the office where you are interested in working. The writing sample must reflect your own work, demonstrating your best legal analysis and writing abilities, with minimal editing by others. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, Chief People Officer. 

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.