FELLOWSHIP

Public First Law Center Fellowship

Public First has a fellowship position to train a recent law school graduate in open government advocacy.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

2024-2025 Fellow

Public First seeks applicants for a one-year full-time fellowship position to start in September 2024. The fellow reports to the Executive Director and will participate fully in Public First’s advocacy efforts. Public First’s efforts range widely and have included informal drafting assistance and advice for requesters; educational lectures, presentations, and materials; representing clients in litigation; guidance and concern letters to government agencies; and occasional lobbying. Once up-to-speed on applicable law, a fellow will be expected to think proactively about projects that advance Public First’s mission.

Responsibilities

Primary job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Trial court and appellate litigation work, including research and drafting pleadings
  • Fact research, legal analysis, and drafting to investigate and respond to transparency concerns
  • Public speaking
  • Tracking legislation
  • Responding to calls to Public First’s hotline

Qualifications

  • Admitted to or applicant for the Hawaii bar
  • Excellent legal research skills  
  • Able to communicate complex legal issues clearly and succinctly
  • Interest in promoting open government
  • Self-motivated and detail-oriented
  • Integrity and strong interpersonal skills
  • Travel may be required
  • Preference for applicants interested in practicing law in Hawaii
  • Preference for applicants with less than 3 years post-law school experience
  • No prior knowledge of public records or open meetings laws required

Compensation

$75,000

with access to a competitive benefits package.

Application Deadline

E-mailed or postmarked no later than

February 17, 2024

Application

Submit a cover letter, résumé, writing sample (no more than 10 pages), law school transcript, and contact information for three references via email or postage:

EMAIL ADDRESS

info@publicfirstlaw.org

MAILING ADDRESS

Public First Law Center

700 Bishop Street, Suite 1701

Honolulu, HI 96813

Disclose in your cover letter the extent to which others had substantial involvement in drafting or revising the writing sample.