Date Posted:
May 11, 2026
Position Title:
National Litigation Team Staff Attorney
Office/Company:
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee)
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Job Number:
HC-06486
Reports To:
Location:
Washington, DC
Contact:
Salary:
USD 122,900 – USD 136,200 (Yearly)
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is hiring a Staff Attorney to expand the organization’s ability to rapidly respond to legal threats to press freedom and to ensure that journalists across the country have easy access to the pro bono legal resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.Representing 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 Washington, D.C., or eligible for admission to practice law in Washington, D.C. A minimum of four years of experience litigating cases in state and federal court. Substantial experience with media law matters is preferred.
Responsibilities:
• Representing 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.
• Drafting amicus briefs and—depending on the seniority level and experience of the attorney—supervising the work of more junior RCFP attorneys on amicus briefs in cases presenting important newsgathering and First Amendment issues.
• Educating journalists about First Amendment and newsgathering rights, including by conducting trainings for journalists and news organizations on media law topics.
• Counseling journalists, including documentary filmmakers, on legal issues related to newsgathering, access to information, libel, and privacy in connection with the Reporters Committee’s pre-publication partnerships.
Qualifications:
• Admitted to practice law in Washington, D.C., or eligible for admission to practice law in Washington, D.C.
• A minimum of four years of experience litigating cases in state and federal court. Substantial experience with media law matters is preferred.
• A passion for protecting press freedom and a strong desire to support the work of journalists across the country.
• Outstanding legal research skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise—or demonstrated experience successfully managing—the work of less-experienced attorneys.
• Excellent public speaking and oral communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a broad range of clients and stakeholders.
Instructions:
Submit a resume and cover letter. Please submit materials in one PDF file. Only complete applications will advance in the hiring process.
Other:
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.
