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. The organization serves news organizations, reporters, documentary filmmakers, media lawyers, and many others who rely on its online resources.

Job Description
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is hiring a **Michigan Local Legal Initiative (LLI) Attorney**. The Local Legal Initiative, launched in 2020, provides pro bono legal support to journalists and news outlets engaged in local enterprise and investigative journalism. The Michigan LLI Attorney will advise and represent news organizations and individual journalists in Michigan in matters involving access to judicial records and proceedings, freedom of information, and other newsgathering and First Amendment issues.

The attorney will also contribute to the Reporters Committee’s amicus and pre‑publication/vetting practices for matters within Michigan; conduct trainings for journalists and news organizations; and collaborate with stakeholders across the state to 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 Include:
– Representing Michigan journalists and news organizations in litigation and other matters involving access to judicial records/proceedings, freedom of information, and other newsgathering and First Amendment matters. This includes intake/case selection, strategy decisions, drafting correspondence, administrative appeals, pleadings, briefs, and other filings in trial and appellate courts, and appearing on behalf of clients in state and federal court.
– Providing counsel to Michigan journalists on legal issues related to newsgathering, access to information, libel, and privacy.
– Drafting amicus briefs and—depending on seniority and experience—supervising junior RCFP attorneys on amicus briefs in cases involving newsgathering and First Amendment issues in Michigan.
– Educating Michigan journalists about First Amendment and newsgathering rights, including conducting trainings for journalists and news organizations on media law topics.
– Responding to hotline inquiries from journalists in Michigan and working with RCFP communications staff to provide comment to local journalists and news organizations for publication.
– Working collaboratively with stakeholders in Michigan and internally at RCFP to promote the LLI and its strategic goals.
– Depending on seniority and experience, working with the Vice President of Legal Programs and the Director of the Local Legal Initiative to provide guidance, supervision, and performance feedback to legal fellows and staff attorneys.

Qualifications
– Admitted to practice law in Michigan or eligible for admission.
– 3+ to 10+ years of litigation and advising experience, with significant experience representing journalists and media clients in matters involving newsgathering, access to public records, and other media law and First Amendment issues.
– Self‑directed, with the ability to independently handle all aspects of litigation, including drafting papers, formulating strategy, and negotiating with opposing parties.
– Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage litigation matters and the work of 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.

Additional Information
Physical Demands: The employee is frequently required to sit and operate computer equipment. Occasional standing and walking are required. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Compensation: RCFP offers competitive pay and generous benefits, including group medical insurance, disability insurance, retirement benefits, health‑reimbursement accounts, and paid family leave. The salary range for this position is **$117,300 to $130,500**.

How to apply: Submit a resume and cover letter in **one PDF file** here. Only complete applications will advance in the hiring process. The role will remain open until filled.

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

RCFP Is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization celebrates the diversity of its employees and leadership. 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.