Program Counsel

Program Counsel for Public Advocacy

This position will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work for eligible employees. Fully remote work will not be considered for this position.

About FIRE

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. Please visit to gain a sense of our work and mission.

Position Description

FIRE seeks a full-time Program Counsel to join our expanding Public Advocacy team, which engages in non-litigation advocacy on off-campus free speech issues.

At FIRE, we believe that free speech makes free people. The right of the individual to speak their mind is fundamental for a free society. So we're on a mission to promote and defend free speech — and we need a talented attorney who will be a zealous and persuasive advocate for First Amendment rights and free speech as a cultural value.

The Program Counsel for Public Advocacy will assist with all aspects of the department’s work and will report directly to FIRE’s Director of Public Advocacy.

The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Investigatory work
  • Assist with investigating off-campus free expression matters or issues of interest to the organization not subject to (or ripe for) litigation, including collection of documentation, review of relevant materials, communication with case submitters, and legal research.
  • Review and manage individual case submissions and provide input on potential future action at standing Public Advocacy meetings and over email.
• Editorial work
  • Author and review letters to advocate for expressive rights and/or support of free speech culture.
  • Contribute to FIRE’s public awareness efforts, including writing and reviewing content for FIRE’s website and Substack, helping create social media content, appearing in and drafting scripts for FIRE videos, writing and reviewing op-eds for outside publications, and related tasks.
  • Serve as a primary press contact on non-litigation off-campus free speech matters and conduct interviews for television, radio, and print media as needed.
  • Author, review, and conduct research for internal memorandums and talking points on off-campus free speech issues.
• Other program duties
  • Develop departmental goals related to Litigation cases and attend Litigation case launch meetings on behalf of Public Advocacy.
  • Assist in outreach efforts to individuals and organizations to help build free speech-based coalitions and draw more individual supporters to FIRE’s work.
  • Attend conferences on behalf of FIRE.
  • Stay current on national and local news regarding issues relevant to FIRE and Public Advocacy’s mission.
  • Read court decisions, reports, scholarly publications, books, and other relevant materials to stay current on free expression issues and trends.

This position will also perform other support functions for the day-to-day operation of FIRE and will frequently collaborate with other staff members and departments on general duties and specialized projects.

This position involves a limited amount of travel. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected.

The expected start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will be outgoing, resourceful, and organized. Most importantly, the candidate must exercise superb judgment and demonstrate a knowledge of 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 also be able to demonstrate:

• Deep understanding of First Amendment law and free speech principles.
• Exceptional writing and copy editing skills.
• Excellent legal research skills.
• Strong factual investigation skills.
• Interpersonal communication skills (phone and email courtesy, ability to properly manage sensitive information/maintain the confidence of case submitters).
• Keen attention to detail.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong work ethic and an ability to work productively with people of differing views.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
• Strong public speaking skills.

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

Salary and Benefits

The projected salary range is based on experience and education. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for exceptional work.

FIRE offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance for employees; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.

Applications

Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, a demonstration of their work (such as a portfolio), salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, Chief People Officer.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As part of FIRE's hiring process, all candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to undergo a background check as permitted by and in compliance with federal, state, and local law.