Georgia Journalism AttorneyThe First Amendment Clinic at the University of Georgia School of Law seeks an attorney to support local journalism in Georgia. This position is funded for two years from the start date, with the possibility for renewal dependent on performance and funding availability.
The First Amendment Clinic defends and advances the rights of free speech, press, assembly, and petition through direct client representation, while providing law students with real-world practice experience in First Amendment litigation and advocacy. The Clinic also serves as a resource for journalists, students, government employees, law enforcement, members of the judiciary, and public citizens on issues of free expression and news gathering. This takes the form of presentations, trainings, and creation of written resource materials.
Supported by a grant from The Legal Clinic Fund for Local News, the Georgia Journalism Attorney will provide legal consultation, advocacy, and litigation services to individual journalists and news organizations in Georgia, prioritizing those who do not otherwise have access to legal counsel. This will include, for example, answering newsgathering questions, conducting pre-publication review, providing subpoena and defamation/libel defense, and bringing affirmative litigation on issues of free speech and press. Note that the Clinic does not provide direct representation on access to public records and meetings.
The Attorney will also create and present educational programs and trainings to journalists and newsrooms on topics related to government access/transparency and media law.
The Attorney will additionally help supervise law students participating in the First Amendment Clinic who are assigned to Georgia Journalism matters.
This in-person position will be based at the First Amendment Clinic located in Athens, Georgia with some travel required.
This is a grant funded position. Continuation after the end of the project will be dependent on allocation of external or internal funding. Minimum QualificationsTerminal degree required. Additional professional licensure and/or certification in the field may be required.
Preferred QualificationsTwo or more years of litigation experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or CompetenciesJD degree from an ABA-accredited law school.Barred in Georgia or eligible to waive in, or prepared to take the Georgia bar within the first year of employment.Litigation skills.Ability to build and maintain client relationships; outstanding advocacy and lawyering skills.Excellent written and oral communication abilities.Effective organizational and time-management skills.Ability and interest to competently supervise law students.Duties/ResponsibilitiesEngage in substantial independent legal work and advocacy including:Assuming primary responsibility for developing and managing a local journalism docket.Supervising law students who are assisting with this docket.Traveling when necessary for coalition-building and court proceedings.Create and conduct external presentations and trainings on topics related to government access/transparency and media law.Help supervise law students assisting with same.Help manage the Clinic's law practice, particularly in between semesters and during the summer.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.Contact InformationFor questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name: Law Budget Office
Recruitment Contact Email: ********
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