Date Posted:
May 11, 2026
Position Title:
Michigan LLI Attorney
Office/Company:
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee)
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Job Number:
HC-06485
Reports To:
Location:
Grand Rapids, MI
Contact:
Salary:
USD 117,300 – USD 130,500 (Yearly)
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee) is hiring a Michigan Local Legal Initiative (LLI) Attorney.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.Admitted to practice law in Michigan or eligible for admission to practice law in Michigan. 3+ to 10+ years of litigation and advising experience, with significant to substantial experience representing journalists and other media clients in matters involving newsgathering, access to public records, and other media law and First Amendment issues.
Responsibilities:
• 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.
• 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 the drafting and work of more junior RCFP attorneys on amicus briefs in cases presenting important 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.
Qualifications:
• Admitted to practice law in Michigan or eligible for admission to practice law in Michigan.
• 3+ to 10+ years of litigation and advising experience, with significant to substantial experience representing journalists and other 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 successfully manage—or demonstrated experience managing—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 and effectively with a broad range of clients and stakeholders.
Instructions:
Email to apply
Other:
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee) is an equal opportunity employer.
