[Remote] Legal Fellow, Ishiyama Transparency in Government

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. NPR is a mission-driven multimedia organization known for its award-winning news and programming. They are seeking a recent law school graduate to serve as the Ishiyama Transparency in Government Legal Fellow, where the fellow will work with journalists to obtain access to public records and assist in legal matters related to media law and government transparency.

Responsibilities

• Work with NPR journalists to request access to records under the federal Freedom of Information Act and state public records laws
• Work with NPR staff attorneys and outside counsel to prepare appeals from inappropriate denials of such requests
• Track federal FOIA and state public records requests and appeals across the NPR newsroom and the newsrooms of NPR Member stations engaged with NPR in collaborative reporting projects
• Work with NPR staff attorneys and outside counsel to pursue FOIA, state public records act, and court-access litigation, and, time permitting, to defend content-related lawsuits against NPR and NPR journalists
• Conduct legal research and advise NPR legal colleagues and reporters on FOIA, state public records act, court-access, and other media law issues
• Prepare memoranda, presentations, and other materials for internal and external audiences
• Prepare training materials and work with staff lawyers and newsroom leaders to train journalists in the effective use of FOIA and state public records laws

Skills

• Outstanding academic credentials, including a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school earned by June 2026
• Bar membership in good standing in the District of Columbia, or eligibility to waive into the DC bar, by January 2027
• Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school earned by June 2026 required
• Demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, the federal Freedom of Information Act, state public records laws, court-access law, and media law, generally
• Superb verbal and written communications skills, high ethical and professional standards, a commitment to journalism, and good judgment
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects, to set and adjust priorities, and to work under pressure

Benefits

• Access to health and wellness
• Paid time off
• Financial well-being
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life/ accidental death and dismemberment
• Long-term disability
• Short-term disability
• Voluntary retirement savings

Company Overview