First Amendment Clinic Law Fellow

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Terminal degree required. Additional professional licensure and/or certification in the field may be required.

Candidates must possess a JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school. Preference for candidates with at least one year of post-graduate litigation experience.

The First Amendment Clinic at the University of Georgia School of Law seeks a 2024-2025 post-graduate fellow for a 1-year position, with the possibility of renewal for a second year depending on performance and funding.

Supported by the Stanton Foundation, the First Amendment Clinic defends and advances the rights of free speech, press, assembly, and petition via regional litigation and advocacy, while providing law students with the practice and real-world experience to become leaders on First Amendment issues. The Clinic also serves as a resource for journalists, students, government employees, local and state officials, and members of the public on issues of government transparency and free expression in order to promote expressive freedoms and a better-informed citizenry.

In collaboration with the Clinic Director and existing Clinic Fellow, the 2024-2025 post-graduate fellow will: engage in substantial legal work to include some combination of the following: intake/case evaluation; fact investigation and case development; client counseling; advocacy correspondence and preparing pleadings; discovery and motion practice; court conferences, hearings, and trial; appellate litigation; and amicus briefs.

The post-graduate fellow will also develop and deliver external presentations and other programming on First Amendment and government transparency issues; research and author resource materials and policy analysis.

The post-graduate fellow will additionally help supervise law students who are engaging in both litigation and project work, and will participate in building and maintaining relationships with public interest organizations, private attorneys, journalists, other law school clinics, and various stakeholders committed to protecting expressive freedoms and furthering access rights throughout Georgia and the southeast.

Some travel may be expected.

Candidates will possess a strong academic record; excellent written and oral communication skills; the ability to conduct thorough and accurate factual and legal research and engage in persuasive legal writing; strong organizational and time-management skills; and the ability to successfully build and maintain relationships with students, clients, and community/professional partners.

Some travel to be expected.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the .

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the .

Under the direction of the Clinic Director, the Fellow will: (1) engage in substantial legal work to include some combination of the following: intake/case evaluation; fact investigation and case development; client counseling; advocacy correspondence; preparing pleadings; discovery and motion practice; court conferences, hearings, and trial; appellate litigation; and amicus briefs; and (2) help supervise law students working on the same.

Under the direction of the Clinic Director, the Fellow will: (1) plan, create, and conduct external presentations, community education, and trainings; (2) research and author resource and policy analysis materials; and (3) help supervise law students working on the same.

Under the direction of the Clinic Director, the Fellow will: (1) assist with building and maintaining relationships with public interest organizations, private attorneys, journalists, other law school clinics, and various stakeholders committed to protecting expressive freedoms and furthering access rights throughout Georgia and the southeast; and (2) participate in trainings, conferences, and other professional development activities related to the Clinic's work .

Perform other Clinic-related duties as assigned by the Clinic Director.