Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression · 19 hours ago
Program Counsel
Philadelphia, PA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid LevelThe Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to defending individual rights to free speech and free thought. They are seeking a full-time Program Counsel to join their Public Advocacy team, focusing on non-litigation advocacy for off-campus free speech issues.
E-LearningEducationNon Profit
No H1B
Responsibilities
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
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
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
Perform other support functions for the day-to-day operation of FIRE and frequently collaborate with other staff members and departments on general duties and specialized projects
Qualification
Required
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
Graduated from an ABA-accredited law school
Member of the bar of the jurisdiction in which they are based
Benefits
Employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance for employees
Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option
Matching retirement contributions
Generous paid time-off plan
Company
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
FIRE’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought—the most essential qualities of liberty.
Founded in 1999
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$2.5M2016-10-18Grant· $2.5M
Leadership Team
Alisha Glennon
Chief Operating Officer
Greg Lukianoff
President
Recent News
New Civil Liberties Alliance
2025-10-06
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