VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL is seeking a Fellow for the law school's Stanton Foundation First Amendment Clinic.

Vanderbilt Law School’s Stanton Foundation First Amendment Clinic is now accepting applications for fellowship position in the clinic. The fellowship is for one year beginning July 1, 2024 and is renewable for a second year. The fellow will be supervised and mentored by the faculty member who is teaching the clinic.

Supported by the Stanton Foundation, the First Amendment Clinic defends and advances the rights of free speech, press, assembly, and petition, while providing law students with the practice and real-world experience to become leaders on First Amendment issues. The fellow will report to the Clinic’s directing faculty member, and work in collaboration with students, clinical faculty members, and clinical staff.  The fellow will engage in litigating and supporting cases and other legal proceedings that further free speech. This work will include engaging in direct substantial legal work and client representation including intake, drafting and filing pleadings, conducting legal research, discovery, motion practice, and court appearances. 

The Clinic takes on a wide array of matters including protecting speech rights and public discourse on social media; defending individuals against intimidation lawsuits; representing records requesters against viewpoint discrimination; and promoting court access and transparency. The Clinic has also engaged in advocacy on issues related to the right to record public officials, issuance of press passes, and restrictions on public solicitation.

Qualifications

An ideal candidate is a practitioner or recent law graduate from an ABA-accredited law school with significant litigation experience. A candidate with a demonstrated interest in the fields of First Amendment, constitutional law, media, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and related practice areas are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will also possess excellent legal research and writing skills; an exceptional ability to work with others, including students, staff, clients, and outside counsel; exceptional communication skills; and the ability to juggle multiple projects and work under pressure to meet deadlines. The applicant must be admitted to the bar of at least one state and must successfully complete a background check.

Application Instructions

Please apply only through this link, https://apply.interfolio.com/143373. We cannot accept applications not submitted using this link.

When you apply through this link, the application will require a cover letter, curriculum vitae showing terminal degree conferral date and all post-doctoral positions held, a list of three references, a writing sample (unedited or slightly edited, preferably a brief or memorandum), and other supporting materials.

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Apply Now

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.