About the role#
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press hosts legal fellows at our Washington, D.C. office each year. These fellowships offer early-career lawyers the chance to work on First Amendment and media law cases. Fellows join small litigation teams to support our staff attorneys. We offer several fellowship tracks, including the Jack Nelson-Dow Jones Foundation Legal Fellowship, the Media Law Fellowship, and the E.W. Scripps Legal Fellowship.
What you'll do#
- Monitor significant developments in media law.
- Assist staff attorneys with legal defense requests from reporters.
- Prepare legal memoranda, litigation materials, and amicus briefs.
- Write content for our website and other publications.
- Participate in all aspects of trial and appellate court litigation, including motion practice, discovery, and hearing preparation.
- Handle special projects as assigned.
What you'll need#
- A J.D. from an accredited law school.
- Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction or current status awaiting bar exam results.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Good judgment and the highest level of professional integrity.
- A demonstrated interest in the First Amendment and media law is preferred.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid position based on-site in Washington, D.C.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- We do not provide visa sponsorship for these roles.
About Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. Founded in 1970, it provides free legal resources to journalists and news organizations. The group focuses on First Amendment rights, media law, and newsgathering protections. It maintains a staff of 11 to 50 employees.
How to get in at Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
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