2027 Arthur D. Hellman Fellowship

About the role

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them. The Arthur D. Hellman Fellowship in First Amendment Litigation is FIRE’s premier summer opportunity for law students committed to defending free expression.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with FIRE’s First Amendment litigators on substantive projects that advance strategic litigation.
• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Engage in client interaction and media relations.
• Make meaningful contributions to active cases.
• Contribute directly to cutting‑edge litigation that protects freedom of speech, expression, and thought.

Qualifications

• Rising 2Ls and 3Ls with excellent academic credentials.
• Demonstrated passion for civil liberties and public‑interest litigation.
• Collaborative, detail‑oriented, and deeply committed to the principles of free expression.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

• Opportunity to return to FIRE as a full‑time employee after the fellowship.
• Access to FIRE’s Legal Network to take cases pro bono, author amicus briefs, or serve as local counsel.
• Induction into FIRE's Alumni Association upon successful completion.
• Training in essential public‑interest practice skills (legal research and writing, client interaction, media relations).
• Placement in FIRE’s Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. office.

Pay

$8