Lead Counsel, Tech and Free Expression Policy (filled 07.22.26)

About the role

The Lead Counsel, Tech Policy and Free Expression will be based in Washington, D.C. and will work on a hybrid schedule that combines in-office and remote work days. Fully remote work is not considered for this position.

Responsibilities

• Manage an internal tech policy working group to develop FIRE’s positions on novel legal and policy questions affecting free speech.
• Create opportunities to influence specific legislation via direct lobbying, including selecting legislative targets and developing and implementing advocacy strategies.
• Provide strategic guidance and legal expertise to help the Litigation team identify key opportunities for First Amendment challenges to speech-restrictive regulation and legislation.
• Coordinate with the Communications team to develop and implement strategies to build new narratives around the importance of protecting the right to use AI and social media platforms for speech.
• Identify opportunities to influence specific legislation on tech policy via public messaging campaigns, and then coordinate with the Communications department to develop and implement strategies to effect that influence.
• Maintain First Amendment expertise in the doctrines relevant to FIRE’s advocacy on new expressive technologies.
• Maintain deep working knowledge of the state of emerging expressive technologies and the trends in related legislation and litigation.
• Identify opportunities for research projects that would advance FIRE’s advocacy goals.
• Advise on and implement FIRE’s long-term strategy for legislative advocacy on tech policy issues.
• Directly lobby on legislation involving tech policy, including by providing testimony in legislative hearings, meeting with lawmakers and staff, and drafting and delivering feedback on legislation.
• Identify and analyze state and federal legislation and regulations that pose a threat to expressive rights involving emerging technologies.
• Build relationships with key political figures, organizations, and nonprofits to further the organization’s legislative and policy agenda on tech policy.
• Network with sources of potential plaintiffs for challenges to AI-related and other tech legislation.
• Design and execute strategies for developing outside legal scholarship advocating speech-protective interpretations of the First Amendment as applied to the use of new expressive technologies.
• Produce regular public analysis and commentary on tech policy and relevant legislative developments.
• Attend, participate, and speak on behalf of FIRE at various internal and external conferences and events.
• Participate in media interviews.
• Author and edit organizational statements and press comments on questions involving tech policy, and write articles and legal analysis for FIRE’s Newsdesk.
• Review outgoing messaging and analysis related to tech policy by other FIRE authors.
• Manage legislative counsels, analysts, and interns in FIRE’s tech policy working group.
• Cooperate with and serve as the point of contact for FIRE fellows working on tech policy.
• Advising on further building out FIRE’s capacity for lobbying and commentary on tech policy issues affecting free speech.
• Coordinate with a Program Associate to submit lobbying registrations and disclosures and record all lobbying activities and expenses.
• Maintain accurate data about all advocacy activities.
• Coordinate with the Legislative & Policy Director on setting, meeting, and recording specific goals for FIRE’s tech policy work.

Qualifications

• A successful candidate will be passionate about expressive rights and excited to lead a policy program to protect them across new technological platforms.
• The candidate must be a self-starter and have the ability to manage work across multiple departments to drive projects forward.
• The candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause.
• A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:
• Strong knowledge of organization’s mission and the ability to articulate the mission to the general public in an effective and persuasive manner.
• Track record of success working directly with government policymakers.
• Deep understanding of First Amendment law and principles, particularly as applied to online speech and emerging technologies.
• Understanding and enthusiasm for the different roles legislative advocacy, research projects, litigation, and communications campaigns play in shaping policy outcomes.
• Experience writing about legal and policy matters for public audiences.
• Strong writing and copy editing skills.
• Research abilities.
• Ability to assess cases for litigation potential.
• Interpersonal communication (phone and email courtesy, ability to properly manage sensitive information/maintain confidences).
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Decisiveness.
• Problem-solving and improvisational skills.
• Public speaking skills.

Pay and Benefits

The projected salary range for this position is $125,000-$175,000, negotiable based on experience and education. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance for employees; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.