Legal Affairs and Courts Reporter

Legal affairs and Courts reporter

The Hill, a division of Nexstar Media Group, is hiring a Legal Affairs and Courts Reporter to cover the federal courts and Justice Department. This position will be responsible for writing breaking news and analysis on cases before the Supreme Court and federal judiciary system. The reporter will also work with our team to deliver The Gavel, The Hill’s weekly courts newsletter and streaming show.

About the role: 

Our courts reporters are responsible for writing breaking news and enterprise pieces about the judiciary branch. We focus on the federal system but also pay attention to major cases in state courts. Our goal is to write about the courts through the prism of politics, to help our readers understand how the judicial branch affects the executive and legislative branches. We also want to show how the decisions coming out of the Supreme Court will affect our readers’ lives, so that our breaking news pieces on the daily nitty-gritty also paint a larger picture of how policy is shaped over years.

A successful reporter in this role will be writing a mix of spot stories as well as longer feature stories. An ability to collaborate and communicate with other members of the courts team and our wider newsroom is a priority.

Responsibilities include: 

-Writing breaking news and larger enterprise stories on federal court decisions and filings and Supreme Court rulings in ways that increases The Hill’s reach and readership.

-Writing The Gavel, our weekly courts newsletter, and appearing on The Gavel’s streaming show.

-Helping to keep track of all the cases moving through the courts so that The Hill is prepared when decisions are handed down.

Skills and qualifications: 

A degree in journalism or a related field is required, as is previous newsroom experience. Courts coverage is a plus, but not required.

Candidates should have good instincts for understanding what readers want and be able to produce error-free, clean journalism on a tight timetable. Basic familiarity with Google Trends, SEO skills and real-time analytics are a plus. 

To apply: Please upload your materials with as much of the following as possible: your updated resume, a brief cover letter explaining your interest and fit for the position, and your portfolio/clips or links to a few samples of your work. Completing these steps will ensure that you receive the highest consideration.

About The Hill

Established in 1994, The Hill is the country’s definitive digital source for non-partisan political news and information. Inside the Beltway, it’s known as an essential, agenda-setting read for lawmakers and influencers. Beyond the Capitol, The Hill’s trusted content is shared more often on social media than any other political news brand in America.  

Our properties include TheHill.com, reaching a monthly audience of 41M; Hill.TV, the largest independent video platform within the Beltway with 1.4B annual views; The Hill’s print edition, one of the most influential sources for law and policy makers; Elevate Studios, creating breakthrough branded content offerings for leading marketers; and The Hill Events, which hosted 70 virtual events last year, featuring 92 Members of Congress and 88 industry leaders in meaningful policy discussions.

Any person in this position will be represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, Communications Workers of America Local 32035, AFL-CIO. 

Compensation Range: $62,500 - $70,000 salaried based upon experience

Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees includes, but not limited to, medical (with multiple plan options), dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) with company matching contributions, Paid Parental leave, life insurance and more.  Part time employees are eligible for 401(k) and any local/state leave plans.  Union positions are subject to the benefits outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement.

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