Legal Fellow

Job Posting Organization:
The Wikimedia Foundation is a nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia and other Wikimedia free knowledge projects. Established with the vision of a world where every individual can freely share in the sum of all knowledge, the foundation believes in the potential of every person to contribute to shared knowledge and the importance of free access to that knowledge. The organization is supported by donations from millions of individuals globally, with an average donation of about $15, alongside institutional grants. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, it has its headquarters in San Francisco, California, and employs staff and contractors across over 40 countries. The Wikimedia Foundation is committed to diversity and inclusion, striving to maintain an equitable workplace and encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Legal Fellow position at the Wikimedia Foundation is designed for current law students or recent graduates who are passionate about free knowledge and open source issues. This role offers an immersive in-house experience with specific education and training in Internet law and free knowledge organizations. Legal fellows will engage with a variety of legal issues, including copyright, freedom of expression, mobile development, and corporate compliance. Each fellow will be assigned individualized projects that align with their interests and strengths, which may include researching legal questions, drafting licensing agreements, and developing policies. The position emphasizes collaboration with supervising attorneys, participation in meetings, and the opportunity to earn academic credits or funding through their university. The fellowship duration varies, with Fall and Spring fellowships lasting 18 weeks and Summer fellowships lasting 12 weeks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Legal fellows will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: conducting legal research on various topics, drafting and reviewing licensing agreements, developing internal and external policies, and collaborating with the Legal Department on projects. They will also attend and participate in internal and external meetings, work closely with supervising attorneys, and receive feedback and support throughout their projects. The role requires fellows to manage their projects independently while also being part of a collaborative team environment. Additionally, fellows may have the opportunity to engage with large online user communities and contribute to Wikimedia projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a high energy level and commitment to the Wikimedia Foundation's mission of free knowledge. They should possess a good sense of humor and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multitasking environment. Intellectual curiosity and flexibility are essential, as fellows will be tackling complex and ambiguous legal problems. Strong research skills are preferred, along with experience working with online communities or a desire to do so. Excellent writing skills are crucial for communicating complex legal concepts to diverse audiences. Coursework in relevant areas of law such as internet law, freedom of expression, intellectual property, and contract drafting is preferred, although not mandatory. Candidates with experience in these areas will be prioritized.

Educational Background:
Applicants should ideally have completed coursework in areas relevant to the position, including but not limited to internet law, freedom of expression (both domestic and international), intellectual property, contract drafting, international law, privacy, data security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and licensing. While specific coursework is not a strict requirement, candidates with a background in these subjects will be favored during the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience, particularly in research and engagement with online communities. While direct experience with Wikimedia projects is preferred, a strong desire to learn and engage with such communities is also valued. Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative environment and have the ability to manage projects independently.

Languages:
While there are no strict language requirements, multilingual candidates are considered a plus. The ability to communicate effectively in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages can enhance a candidate's application, especially in a diverse and global organization like the Wikimedia Foundation.

Additional Notes:
The fellowship is a remote position, allowing for flexibility in work location. The duration of the fellowships varies, with Fall and Spring fellowships lasting 18 weeks and Summer fellowships lasting 12 weeks. The Wikimedia Foundation is committed to equitable compensation, with salaries adjusted based on location and experience. The anticipated annual pay range for applicants based in the United States is between US$34.99 to US$53.30, with adjustments for international hires based on local standards. The organization values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, ensuring an inclusive hiring process.