First Amendment Clinic Fellow – Southern Methodist University

Description:

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a nationally-ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, seeks a First Amendment Clinic Fellow.

The First Amendment Clinic at SMU is supported by the Stanton Foundation, which was created by Dr. Frank Stanton, the long-time president of CBS and one of the founding fathers of the television industry. Dr. Stanton was a fierce defender of freedom of speech and the First Amendment and received numerous awards in recognition of his efforts to ensure the freedom of the press. The Clinic will formally launch in the fall semester of 2020. It will join not only a vibrant clinical program at SMU comprised of 10 specialty clinics, but also a national network of First Amendment Clinics at select law schools. The Clinic will focus on two core First Amendment objectives: (1) representing individuals and entities in matters that further free speech and aid the newsgathering process; and (2) cultivating a new group of diverse lawyers prepared to pursue careers defending free speech principles.

The Fellow will report to and collaborate with the Director of the First Amendment Clinic at SMU Dedman School of Law, Tom Leatherbury, to support the management and activities of our newest clinical initiative.

This is a full-time position for a two-year term, and is benefits eligible. Reappointment for an additional one-year term is possible based on performance and funding availability. Expected start date is June 1, 2020.

• Provide supervision to students in the Clinic, including feedback, mentoring, and training.
• Manage ongoing cases, ensuring that the work is done in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with the development of curriculum and teaching of the Clinic’s classroom component, focusing on substantive knowledge of First Amendment doctrine and the litigation process, as well as effective legal writing, advocacy, and client relations skills.
• Work with the Director to develop the focus of cases the Clinic will work on, such as libel and privacy defense, protection of sources and the newsgathering process, other significant First Amendment issues amenable to amicus efforts, and access to courtrooms and government meetings and information.
• Collaborate with the Director on programming to bring free speech issues to the broader Law School and University communities.
• Support the research and writing of policy papers, as well as shorter articles, columns, and op-eds, with the goal of influencing the public debate on free speech matters.
• Develop and maintain relationships within the legal and journalism community, including regional (DFW and Texas) news platforms and journalists, law firms and advocacy organizations that focus on free speech and related fields, and First Amendment clinics at other law schools.
• Assist in managing the financial resources for the program, including monitoring financial activities and transactions.

Qualifications:

• J.D. is required.
• One year of practice experience and a background in constitutional law or freedom of information laws is required.
• Additional work experience or a judicial clerkship or clerkships are desirable, but not required.
• The Fellow must be a member of the Texas Bar, or eligible to waive in to the Texas Bar.

The successful candidate should demonstrate strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in writing. The successful candidate should also demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the law school and university as well as with external partners. In addition, the Fellow should possess strong time management, organizational, and planning skills.

Application Info:

Review of applications will begin immediately and full consideration will be given to all applications received by March 1, 2020. The position is open until filled.

Submit the following items to complete your application:

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Law School or Other Graduate Degree Program Transcript

• Other Significant Supporting Material (optional)

• Writing Sample

• Three References (no actual letters, just names and email addresses)

Application:

Interested applicants can view the listing here.