Legal Fellow

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.

Nonpartisan and nonprofit, FAC believes that the broadest range of engaged and informed communities is essential to the health of our democracy – that the values expressed by the First Amendment provide a blueprint for an inclusive, equitable society and a responsive, accountable government. To that end, FAC educates, advocates and litigates to protect and promote government transparency and First Amendment protections for all.

The Legal Fellow will report to FAC’s Legal Director and work with FAC staff to expand FAC’s 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. FAC’s 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 FAC’s 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 public’s 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:

$75,000-$85,000 depending on experience. Includes health benefits and eligibility for FAC’s 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 FAC’s Legal Fellow position or the application process, please email legalfellow@firstamendmentcoalition.org.