Right to Know Legal Fellow

Upper Seven Law is a Montana-based nonprofit law firm dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. We believe that creativity and innovation in law is essential to advancing social justice and public interest objectives. This firm takes smart risks and invests the time necessary to build foundations for long-term accountability work.

Upper Seven Law seeks a motivated individual to join our team for a one- or two year term as a Right to Know Legal Fellow. This role involves working alongside U7L’s Executive Director and Litigation Director in pursuing litigation, writing information requests, conducting legal research, interacting with the press, developing legal strategies, and engaging in other legal and administrative work as needed. The position is internally funded. Ideal candidates will have an entrepreneurial and action-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal skills; ability to work independently; excellent organization and prioritization skills; a rigorous attention to detail; a team-oriented attitude; and accomplished legal writing, research, and communication skills. Enthusiasm for engaging creatively and dynamically with social justice problems and potential litigation opportunities is essential.

The position is based in Helena, Montana, and reports to the Executive Director and the Litigation Director.

Responsibilities & Opportunities:

• Assisting and participating in federal and state court proceedings on a broad range of public interest topics; see U7L’s website for a sample of ongoing litigation
• Drafting and editing briefs, memos, press releases, and other documents related to ongoing litigation and new projects, with a special focus on Right to Know issues in Montana
• Investigating potential cases and conducting legal research
• Engaging extensively with U7L attorneys, support staff, and external partners and stakeholders
• Proposing new litigation, ideas, and projects to advance U7L’s mission

Experience & Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school
• Active and in good standing membership with the Montana bar or the ability to be admitted in Montana
• Demonstrated excellence in legal writing and legal research; policy or advocacy writing experience is a bonus
• Enthusiasm for learning and willingness to ask questions and offer ideas
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Interest in giving and receiving feedback openly and often
• Rigorous attention to detail and deadlines
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• The highest standards for excellence in execution
• Ability to perform nimbly in a rapid pace of work
• Enthusiasm for working on a team and collaborating with others, particularly people who come from many backgrounds and perspectives
• Passion for accountability, democracy, and the rule of law

Logistics:

Location. Helena, MT

Compensation. $70,000 annually plus health benefits

Commitment to a diverse workplace. U7L is an equal opportunity employer. We have committed our culture principles to writing and expressly emphasize the strength of diverse teams, which are more innovative, creative, and productive. U7L enthusiastically encourages applications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. Growth opportunities. Interested candidates who do not meet all listed criteria are nonetheless encouraged apply; U7L prioritizes mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.

Application period and start date. We will be taking applications between May 1 and June 1. The position will begin in September.

Application instructions: Please send application materials as a single document to include: resume, cover letter, law school transcript, a writing sample, and contact information for three references. If applicable, include hyperlinks to published writing. In your cover email, please mention how you became aware of this position. No phone calls, please. Submit by email to contact@uppersevenlaw.com with “[Your Last Name] – Fellow application” in the subject line.