About CIR
Founded in 1989, CIR is a nationwide, nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to defending individual liberties against state and federal government abuses. With nine Supreme Court appearances and many other landmark victories in our storied history, we continue to select cases strategically to establish enduring constitutional precedents with broad applications while also influencing public policy and a wider cultural discourse.
CIR is accelerating the growth of our operations and tightly aligned team. We are committed to the principle that America’s founding documents and post-Civil War amendments represent the fullest realization of Enlightenment ideals—with a charter of limited and divided government and other protections for individual rights that are the envy of the world.
Our proud public mission is to establish landmark precedents that strengthen and restore the individual rights essential for a free and flourishing society. In sum, CIR team members are principled, zealous advocates committed to restoring that constitutional charter and its attendant benefits.
Are you ready for more meaningful work?
Experienced Litigator
Washington, DC or Hybrid
CIR seeks experienced litigators with five or more years of civil trial and appellate litigation experience (including any judicial clerkships) to help incubate, execute, and win major landmark victories that defend, expand, and entrench individual liberties.
The experienced litigator will work directly with CIR’s senior leadership to expand and advance its litigation practice areas, including restoring competitive federalism, promoting equal protection of the law, and defending freedom of speech.
For more information and how to apply, click here.
Individual Rights Litigator
Washington, DC (Preferred) or Hybrid
CIR seeks Individual Rights Litigators with 3-5 years of active litigation experience (including any judicial clerkships) to help incubate, execute, and win major landmark victories that defend, expand, and entrench individual liberties.
Individual Rights Litigators will work directly with CIR’s senior leadership to expand and advance its litigation practice areas, including complex anti-discrimination reforms, free speech and privacy cases, along with its Project to Restore Competitive Federalism.
For more information and how to apply, click here.
Summer Clerkship Program
Washington, DC
CIR is accepting applications for our Summer Clerk program. The program provides an opportunity for law students to gain firsthand experience in cutting-edge, public-interest litigation, while contributing directly to CIR’s cases. Clerks conduct legal research and receive practical training that will be useful in any litigation career. The clerkship is a paid opportunity, offering $8,000 for the 10-week program, which generally runs from the first week in June through early August in-person at CIR’s Washington, DC office. The program is open to students who have completed at least the first year of law school.
To apply, send a letter of interest, your resume, and a short writing sample to Erica Ekstrand at ekstrand@cir-usa.org. The subject line should read: “[Last Name]: Summer Clerk Application.” We will review applicants and make offers on a rolling basis. With a limited number of positions, we encourage candidates to apply now.
Year-Round Clerkship Program
Washington, DC (Preferred) or Remote
CIR offers a limited number of unpaid, part-time clerkships during the Fall and Spring Semesters. The program provides an opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience in cutting-edge, public-interest litigation while contributing directly to CIR’s cases. Applicants must have first-rate legal academic credentials, a commitment to public interest work, and excellent research and writing skills.
Interested students should send a cover letter, resume, and short writing sample to Erica Ekstrand at ekstrand@cir-usa.org. The subject line should read: “[Last Name]: [Term] Clerk Application.” Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
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