The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a state/church watchdog, has two legal fellowship positions that are filled yearly on an alternating basis. The positions are to be based in Madison, Wisconsin, where FFRF is headquartered.
FFRF acts on countless violations of separation of state and church on behalf of our membership and the public, successfully correcting many violations through persuasion, education and litigation. FFRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, whose two purposes are to educate the public about nontheism, and to defend the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. FFRF has more than 30,000 nonreligious members nationwide.
FFRF’s legal fellows function as full-time staff attorneys handling an important First Amendment caseload and will report directly to the Legal Director. FFRF legal fellows help resolve state/church violations. Some of the legal work includes:
- Handling incoming state/church complaints from members and prospective members
- Educating members on Establishment Clause case law
- Sending letters of complaint to government agencies and officials
- Performing legal research
- Drafting letters, some statements, action alerts or blogs
- Answering questions and sending responses to FFRF members and the general public over First Amendment issues
- Advising on legal strategy for FFRF litigation efforts
- Reviewing motions, briefs and other legal documents with litigation attorneys
This is a two-year fellowship.
Eligibility and Requirements: Third-year law students and recent law school graduates are eligible to apply. Excellent writing, communication and research skills and an interest in the First Amendment required. Fellows are expected to be licensed to practice law in Wisconsin or to sit for the Wisconsin Bar Exam as soon as practicable.
How to Apply:
Please email a cover letter, resume, copy of law school transcripts (unofficial is fine) and writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) to Legal Director Rebecca Markert at lawapplication @ ffrf.org (Subject line: LEGAL FELLOWSHIP)
FFRF is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
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.
Applications are not currently being accepted for this position.
