What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Fellow position at Freedom From Religion Foundation?
Company Description
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting nontheism and ensuring the constitutional separation of religion and government. With over 40,000 members, FFRF serves as a vigilant state/church watchdog and an influential voice for individuals who identify as atheists, agnostics, and skeptics. The organization actively works to educate the public and advocate for the principles of freedom of thought and secularism. FFRF is committed to defending religious freedom for all through legal action and public awareness.
Role Description
This is a full-time on-site role for a Legal Fellow at FFRF’s office in Madison, WI with an anticipated start date of Sept 1, 2026. This is a two year fellowship. Our Legal team acts on violations of the separation between state and church, 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.
The Legal Fellow functions as full-time attorney handling an important First Amendment caseload. Some of the legal work includes:
-Handling incoming state/church complaints
-Drafting letters of complaint to government agencies and officials
-Performing legal research
-Writing memos, statements, and blogs on First Amendment issues
-Advising on legal strategy for FFRF litigation efforts
-Drafting motions, briefs and other legal documents as assigned
Experience, Eligibility and Requirements: Recent law school graduates (up to 3 years post graduation) 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.
Benefits
-Salary range is expected to be $81,000-88,000;
-Fully paid premiums for health, dental, short-term and long-term disability and life insurance;
-Automatic enrollment in the Health Reimbursement Arrangement fully funded by FFRF to cover the health plan’s maximum out-of-pocket healthcare costs
- After the first year of employment, FFRF provides generous contributions to a 401(k) retirement plan
To apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter.
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.
Salary : $81,000 - $88,000