Established in 1970, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee) provides pro bono legal representation, amicus curiae support, and other legal resources to protect First Amendment freedoms and the newsgathering rights of journalists. Reporters Committee serves news organizations, reporters, documentary filmmakers, media lawyers, and many more who use its online resources.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee) is hiring a junior-to-mid-level attorney to take a lead role in the Reporters Committee’s vibrant amicus brief practice.  The Staff Attorney also represents the Reporters Committee, news organizations, and individual journalists in impact and defense litigation involving access to judicial records/proceedings, freedom of information, libel, and other newsgathering and First Amendment matters, and will advise independent and freelance journalists, including documentary filmmakers, on legal concerns in connection with the Reporters Committee’s pre-publication/vetting partnerships with organizations including the Fund for Investigative Journalism and the International Documentary Association.  This full-time position reports to the Legal Director.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Drafting amicus briefs and supervising the drafting and work of legal fellows on amicus briefs in cases presenting important newsgathering and First Amendment issues;
• Working with local and outside counsel in amicus matters;
• Participating in oral argument in appropriate amicus matters;
• Litigating impact cases involving access to court records/proceedings and issues arising under state and federal freedom of information laws, including the drafting of pleadings, motions and briefs; arguing motions, and negotiating with opposing counsel;
• Counseling journalists, including documentary filmmakers, on legal issues related to newsgathering, access to information, libel, and privacy in connection with the Reporters Committee’s pre-publication partnerships;
• Pre-publication review of articles, documentary films, and other content in connection with the Reporters Committee’s pre-publication partnerships;
• Conducting trainings for journalists and news organizations on media law topics.

• A minimum of 2-3 years of litigation experience, with meaningful, substantive experience in access to judicial records/proceedings, libel/defamation, and other news media matters; some appellate litigation experience is strongly preferred;
• Outstanding legal research skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills; 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise and guide Reporters Committee legal fellows and legal interns; 
• Good judgment and the highest level of professional integrity.

Starting salary, based on experience, will range from $111,103-117,276 for an attorney based in Washington, D.C.  Remote applicants are welcome to apply for this full-time position; the starting salary range may be adjusted based on the applicant’s location. Our generous benefit package also should be considered. For all regular, full-time positions, the Reporters Committee offers:

• A competitive base salary with 3 weeks paid time off, 4 annual floating days, and all federal holidays;
• A retirement savings plan, including a 5% employer contribution after 3 months of service;
• Comprehensive employer paid insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision, life and accidental death, and disability;
• Ability to use pre-tax dollars for dependent care and commuting expenses.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, short writing sample, and contact information for three references.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until August 31, 2023.

COVID Vaccination:

All Reporters Committee employees must be fully vaccinated/boosted against COVID or present a satisfactory medical or religious/ethical/moral accommodation.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at the Reporters Committee are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, ethnicity, age, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. The Reporters Committee will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.