Jobs at Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression

The Arthur D. Hellman Fellow works for 10 weeks with FIRE’s First Amendment litigators on strategic public-interest litigation. Responsibilities include legal research and writing, client interaction, media relations, and contributing to active cases defending free speech and expression. The fellowship is designed for rising second- and third-year law students and includes training, professional networking, and potential future opportunities with FIRE.

Paid 10-week legal internship supporting FIRE’s free-expression and academic-freedom advocacy. Interns conduct legal and policy research, investigate speech violations, draft public commentary, policy analyses, memos, correspondence, and bill analyses, monitor legislation, and assist with advocacy projects and Newsdesk work. The program includes seminars with FIRE leadership and civil-liberties experts. Applicants must be rising second- or third-year law students authorized to work in the United States.

Coordinates People Operations activities across recruiting, onboarding, learning and development, employee engagement, internal communications, and administrative support. Maintains applicant tracking systems, schedules interviews, supports job postings and career fairs, coordinates training and events, manages employee communications and records, assists with expenses and Shopify operations, and provides general office and inbox support.

Supports FIRE’s Campus Rights Advocacy team by managing student, faculty, and university rights cases; researching First Amendment and due process issues; developing advocacy plans; drafting legal and public communications; filing FOIA requests; serving as a media contact; and identifying potential litigation matters. The role also involves occasional writing, conferences, moderate travel, and some evening or weekend work.

Represent and litigate strategic First Amendment cases from intake through trial, handling pleadings, discovery, depositions, hearings, and case strategy. Conduct outreach, media appearances, writing, and public speaking; supervise and mentor junior staff; collaborate with communications and vendors. Nationwide travel (~20%) and hybrid work in Philadelphia or Washington, D.C.

Identify and qualify prospective major donors, build individualized engagement strategies, conduct outreach, secure warm introductions through FIRE’s network, and create personalized materials connecting prospects with FIRE’s mission. Maintain a donor prospect portfolio, monitor relevant issues and influencers, improve the donor pipeline, track results in Salesforce, and coordinate transitions to fundraising officers.

Seeking attorneys with a JD and legal experience to join FIRE for future opportunities.

Submit your general application to be considered for future job opportunities that match your skills.

The Staff Attorney will litigate First Amendment cases, engage in media, and supervise law clerks. Responsibilities include drafting legal documents and conducting outreach.