First Amendment Coalition Legal Fellow
First Amendment Coalition Legal Fellow
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$ 75000 - 85000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
The First Amendment Coalition (FAC) seeks applicants to join our growing team for a full-time legal fellowship for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second year. We seek a highly motivated early-career lawyer with a commitment to excellence and a demonstrated interest in the relevant areas of law.
The Legal Fellow will report to FACs Legal Director and work with FAC staff to expand FACs strategic litigation program and our ability to provide expert legal assistance to working journalists community members and others with a particular focus on those in traditionally underserved communities. FACs legal work is focused on enhancing public access to federal state and local government records and proceedings and protecting the First Amendment rights of free speech and press. FAC also defends press independence by providing legal assistance to journalists served with subpoenas for their confidential sources or newsgathering materials.
Core Responsibilities:
- Researching drafting submitting and following up on requests for government records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA) or federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA);
- Identifying formulating and helping to bring cases in state or federal courts to protect transparency and First Amendment rights;
- Organizing researching and drafting amicus briefs and screening amicus briefs that FAC is asked to join;
- Assisting in representation of subpoenaed journalists;
- Responding to questions by journalists and community members about First Amendment concerns access to public records and meetings and other topics;
- Other tasks to support FACs legal work and mission.
Qualifications:
- J.D. from a U.S. accredited law school with excellent academic performance;
- Demonstrated interest in First Amendment law and/or CPRA FOIA or similar access laws. A background in journalism or other work involving similar skills or experience is a plus;
- Self-starter and detail-oriented with the ability to work collegially and collaboratively on a small staff;
- Strong oral and written communication skills including in research analysis and legal writing;
- California bar membership or as of fellowship start date a pending application to join California bar based on results of recent bar examination;
- Preference for one or more years of legal experience working in relevant legal areas such as in a judicial clerkship law firm or non-profit organization.
FAC is a small but growing organization with a 35 year history working across California to stand up for free speech a free press and public participation in civic affairs. FAC is committed to a diverse and inclusive staff one that reflects the state and country we serve. Freedom of information expression and the press are universal ideals but diversity of life experiences can make a big difference in how FAC identifies and litigates legal issues serves our varied constituencies and arrives at policy positions on the rights and ideals we care about. To that end we deliberately seek applicants who can bring different perspectives and experiences to better inform our work promoting and defending free expression a free press and the publics right to know.
Read more about our commitment to diversity equity and inclusion in this summary of our
Strategic Plan and about our work across California in our latest Impact Report.
We welcome candidates who will work remotely but require this position to be based in California. Candidates who want to work from the San Francisco Bay Area will have access to FAC offices in San Rafael (Marin County).
Applicants are encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible; applications will be accepted through October 15 2025.
Location:
FAC has offices in San Rafael California but this position can be based anywhere in California.
Salary:
$75000-$85000 depending on experience. Includes health benefits and eligibility for FACs 401(k) retirement plan with a 5% employer match.
Starting date:
Late summer/early fall 2026.
How to apply:
Please submit a resume and a cover letter describing your interest in working for the First Amendment Coalition and how your skills and experiences fit the desired qualifications. You should address your cover letter to David Loy Legal Director.
Application materials are not accepted via email.
If you have any questions regarding FACs Legal Fellow position or the application process please email
Required Experience:
Manager
Employment Type
Full-Time
