Description
Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through eight schools.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty, and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance, and athletic endeavor.
About Dedman School of Law:
The School of Law at SMU was established in February 1925. Highlighting the celebration of its 75th year, SMU School of Law was named Dedman School of Law in 2001 in honor of Dallas benefactors Nancy and Robert H. Dedman, Sr., and their family. With more than 15,000 graduates, SMU Dedman School of Law has a national and international reputation of training prominent lawyers in both law and business. As the first law school in Dallas, we are fortunate to be in a city with a thriving economy, many corporate headquarters, and an outstanding legal community. SMU Dedman School of Law continues to strive to develop the next century of leaders.
About the Clinic:
The First Amendment Clinic 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 launched in the fall semester of 2020. It joined 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 focuses 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.
About the Position:
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 the clinic.
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, 2022.
Essential Functions:
- 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
Education and Experience:
J.D. is required.
Three years of litigation-related practice experience (may include judicial clerkships) and a background in constitutional law 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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
- Sit for long periods of time
Deadline to Apply:
Review of applications will begin immediately and full consideration will be given to all applications received by March 15, 2022.
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)
EEO Statement:
SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
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