Description
The First Amendment Clinic at Tulane University School of Law seeks a full-time Legal Fellow (the “Sunshine Fellow”) for a term of two years, with the possibility of renewal.
Tulane’s First Amendment Law Clinic (the Clinic) launched in 2020 to defend and advance the rights of free speech and press through litigation and advocacy, while providing law students with practice and real-world experience to become leaders on First Amendment issues. The Clinic takes on a wide array of matters including protecting the rights of citizens to engage in robust online commentary and supporting Louisianans in the free use of our streets and public places for the exchange of ideas. The Sunshine Fellow will be responsible for representing and counseling citizens and members of the Louisiana press on matters related to access to public information and meetings under Louisiana law.
Under the direction of the Clinic’s Director, the Sunshine Fellow will be expected to: (1) conduct outreach to members of the press statewide to establish relationships and create partnerships, (2) engage in direct legal work and client representation related to public access issues faced by members of the press, including intake, legal research, drafting and filing pleadings, and handling litigation; and (3) creating community education materials and conducting community presentations.
Candidates must possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and must be admitted or eligible to practice in Louisiana (i.e., must be a member of the Louisiana bar or gain admission at next available bar examination). Candidates should possess a strong academic record; excellent written and oral communication skills; strong organizational and time management skills; an ability to build and maintain relationships with both students and community partners; and an interest in government transparency and accountability. Preference will be given to candidates who have at least two years of experience or who have a demonstrated commitment to journalism and government transparency principles.
The start date for this position is negotiable but no later than July 1, 2023 (and ideally sooner). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, references and short writing sample to Katie Schwartzmann, Director, First Amendment Law Clinic at kschwartzmann@tulane.edu. Please use the subject line, “Application for Sunshine Fellowship.”
Tulane University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
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