Program Counsel, Policy Reform (Attorney)

# FIRE has partnered with the recruiting firm Big Fish on this search.

Please contact Angel Fimbres-Barcelo at **[email protected]** for any questions or referrals regarding the role.

This **Program Counsel, Policy Reform** position will be based in **Philadelphia, Pennsylvania**, or **Washington, D.C.** FIRE operates a hybrid work schedule that allows eligible employees to mix in-office and remote work days. This position is **not eligible for fully remote work**.

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## About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’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. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

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## About the Program Counsel Role

FIRE is seeking an attorney with at least two years of experience to support its Policy Reform and Campus Rights Advocacy teams. Exceptional candidates with fewer years of experience will also be considered.

FIRE’s Policy Reform team works to improve the written regulations on student and faculty expression at colleges and universities nationwide. The Program Counsel for Policy Reform will support all aspects of this work, with a focus on case-related inquiries, including those raising issues of policies’ application, actively working with students, faculty, and administrators to secure policy changes.

While the Program Counsel for Policy Reform will report directly to FIRE’s Director of Policy Reform, they will also support the work of FIRE’s Campus Rights Advocacy team by managing and working on policy-related case submissions.

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## Duties and Responsibilities

### Policy Reform Project
– Corresponding with students, faculty, and administrators with the objective of revising their college’s regulations on expression.
– Writing, reviewing, and editing letters, and coordinating mailings based on recent court rulings or other developments (such as legislation) relevant to policy reform work.
– Writing, reviewing, and editing policy review letters to colleges and universities analyzing their speech codes, pertinent case law, and recommended revisions.
– Writing, reviewing, and editing speech code memoranda for students, faculty, and administrators pursuing policy reform at their institutions.
– Managing the intake and assignment of speech code information requests and policy-related case referrals from other organizations.

### Campus Rights Advocacy
– Writing, reviewing, and editing letters regarding case submissions primarily involving speech codes.
– Serving as a liaison between the Director of Policy Reform and the Director of Campus Rights Advocacy, managing referrals and identifying efficient advocacy strategies between the programs.

### Legal
– Assisting the Litigation Project with analyzing college and university speech codes for potential First Amendment litigation.
– Assisting with the production of amicus briefs as needed in conjunction with other organization attorneys.
– Reviewing and editing legal briefs and motions related to litigation arising from the organization’s casework and mission.

### Other Editorial Responsibilities
– Writing and reviewing articles for FIRE’s Newsdesk as needed.
– Reviewing, editing, and commenting on pre-publication blog posts written by others.
– Copyediting colleagues’ letters, reports, and other documents upon request.

This position will also perform other support functions for the day-to-day operation of FIRE and will frequently collaborate with other staff members and departments on general duties and specialized projects.

This position involves a moderate amount of travel. Occasional weekend and evening work should be expected.

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## Strong Candidates Have

A successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and the ability to articulate that passion in a way that inspires others. Candidates must also demonstrate:

– Knowledge of case law regarding higher education, First Amendment rights, due process, academic freedom, and legal doctrines relevant to FIRE’s work.
– Familiarity with general university conduct codes, principles, and administrative structures.
– Ability to accurately research and navigate case law, regulations, legislation, law review articles, and university policies.
– Strong legal writing and copy-editing skills and familiarity with legal citation formats.
– Discretion and sensitivity when handling confidential material.
– Ability to communicate with diverse audiences — students, faculty, administrators, and media — across various mediums.
– Attention to detail and accuracy.
– Ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines.
– Ability to communicate legal principles and case law to non-legal audiences.
– Ability to manage long-term administrative and faculty contacts to effectuate policy reform.
– Strong interpersonal communication skills.
– Problem-solving skills to identify and communicate solutions to problematic policies.
– Decision-making skills to prioritize policy issues and determine necessary revisions.
– Ability to evaluate administrative incentives and advocate for policy changes accordingly.

Candidates must have a **J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school**. Candidates who are not already members of the Pennsylvania or D.C. bars must be willing to obtain licensure in one of those jurisdictions.

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## Salary and Compensation

The projected salary for this position is **$65,000–$75,000**, based on experience and education. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for exceptional work.

FIRE offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
– Employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance
– Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option
– Matching retirement contributions
– Generous paid time off

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

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

**Job #269**

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