About the Knight First Amendment Institute

The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University defends the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age through strategic litigation, research, and public education. Since its founding in 2016, the Institute has become a leading voice on issues affecting free expression, pursuing precedent-setting litigation and interdisciplinary research that address emerging threats to public discourse. Its work explores topics such as transparency, surveillance, social media, national security journalism, and the evolving relationship between technology and the First Amendment.

The Role

The Knight Institute is seeking a Paralegal to provide litigation and administrative support to its groundbreaking free speech litigation program. Based full-time in New York City at Columbia University, this role offers an exciting opportunity for an early-career professional to contribute to high-impact legal work that shapes public debate and protects constitutional freedoms. Working closely with the Institute’s attorneys, the successful candidate will support active litigation matters while helping ensure the smooth operation of the Institute’s legal processes.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation and Legal Support

• Provide litigation, research, and administrative support to the Institute’s legal team.
• Proofread, produce, file, and arrange service of legal documents.
• Cite-check legal filings using Bluebook citation standards.
• Research court rules, procedures, and relevant factual information.
• Conduct factual research to support litigation and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• Log and review documents received through FOIA requests.

Case and Docket Management

• Maintain case files, correspondence records, and litigation tracking systems.
• Update the Institute’s internal docket, FOIA tracking sheets, and case summaries.
• Monitor calendars for litigation deadlines and court appearances.
• Regularly check in with attorneys regarding project timelines and deadlines.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Perform clerical duties including filing, scanning, copying, and mailing.
• Track litigation expenses and case-related costs.
• Prepare expense reports and maintain databases of travel and case expenditures.
• Generate reports using the Institute’s time-tracking software.
• Maintain litigation webpages, case pages, and online FOIA reading rooms.
• Undertake additional duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
• Strong research and writing abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team.
• High level of professionalism, efficiency, and attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiative and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred qualifications include previous paralegal or legal administrative experience, a strong academic record, and a demonstrated interest in issues relating to freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

What They Offer

• Salary ranging from $72,368 to $87,200.
• Opportunity to contribute to high-profile, precedent-setting litigation.
• Exposure to cutting-edge legal issues involving technology, transparency, and constitutional rights.
• Collaborative work environment within Columbia University.
• Professional growth and hands-on experience supporting influential public interest litigation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the Columbia University Careers website. Applications must include a cover letter outlining interest in the position and relevant experience, a current résumé, and a list of two references. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and additional materials may be requested during the recruitment process.