Michigan LLI Attorney

Company Description 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. Job Description The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee) is hiring a Michigan Local Legal Initiative (LLI) Attorney. The Local Legal Initiative was launched by the Reporters Committee in 2020 to provide pro bono legal support to journalists and news outlets engaged in local enterprise and investigative journalism in their states. The Michigan LLI Attorney will advise and represent news organizations and individual journalists in Michigan in impact and defense matters involving access to judicial records, freedom of information, and other newsgathering and First Amendment issues. The Michigan LLI attorney will also contribute to the Reporters Committee’s amicus and pre‑publication/vetting practices for matters within Michigan; facilitate and conduct trainings for journalists and news organizations in their state; and work with stakeholders across Michigan to, among other things, increase the visibility of the LLI. This full‑time position reports to the Director of the Local Legal Initiative. The Michigan LLI Attorney must be based in Michigan; the Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids metropolitan areas are preferred. Some travel throughout Michigan and to the Reporters Committee’s office in Washington, D.C. is required. Key Responsibilities Represent Michigan journalists and news organizations in litigation and other matters involving access to judicial records, freedom of information, and other newsgathering and First Amendment matters, including intake/case selection, strategy decisions, drafting correspondence, administrative appeals, pleadings, briefs, and other filings in trial and appellate courts, and appearing in state and federal court. Provide counsel to Michigan journalists on legal issues related to newsgathering, access to information, libel, and privacy. Draft amicus briefs and, depending on seniority, supervise the drafting and work of more junior attorneys on amicus briefs in cases presenting important newsgathering and First Amendment issues in Michigan. Educate Michigan journalists about First Amendment and newsgathering rights, including by conducting trainings for journalists and news organizations on media law topics. Respond to hotline inquiries from journalists in Michigan and work with communications staff to provide comment to local journalists and news organizations for publication. Work collaboratively with stakeholders in Michigan and internally at RCFP to promote the LLI and its strategic goals. Depending on seniority and experience, work with the Vice President of Legal Programs and the Director of the Local Legal Initiative to guide, supervise, and provide performance feedback to legal fellows and staff attorneys. Qualifications Admitted to practice law in Michigan or eligible for admission. 3–10+ years of litigation and advising experience, with significant experience representing journalists and other media clients in matters involving newsgathering, access to public records, and First Amendment issues. Self‑directed with the ability to handle all aspects of litigation independently. Strong leadership skills and experience managing litigation matters and less‑experienced attorneys. Outstanding legal research skills and excellent written communication skills. Excellent public speaking and oral communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a broad range of clients and stakeholders. Good judgment and the highest level of professional integrity. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and operate computer equipment. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Compensation RCFP is committed to offering competitive pay and generous benefits, including group medical insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, retirement benefits, health‑reimbursement accounts, and paid family leave. The salary range for this position is $117,300 to $130,500. Eligibility Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Equal Opportunity Employer RCFP is an equal‑chance employer. At the Reporters Committee we celebrate the diversity of our employees and leadership. RCFP 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr