First Amendment Clinic Law Fellow

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Some travel to be expected.

Applications considered on a rolling basis.

Apply by December 15, 2025 to ensure full consideration.
Proposed start date is July 2026 (with some flexibility)

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Candidates must possess a JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school. Preference for candidates with at least one year of post-graduate litigation experience.

The First Amendment Clinic at the University of Georgia School of Law seeks a 2026 post-graduate fellow for a 2-year position, with the second year dependent on performance and funding.

The First Amendment Clinic defends and advances the rights of free speech, press, assembly, and petition via regional litigation and advocacy, while providing law students with the practice and real-world experience to become leaders on First Amendment issues. The Clinic also serves as a resource for journalists, students, government employees, local and state officials, and members of the public on issues of government transparency and free expression in order to promote expressive freedoms and a better-informed citizenry.

In collaboration with the Clinic Director, the 2026 post-graduate fellow will: engage in substantial legal work to include some combination of the following: intake/case evaluation; fact investigation and case development, client counseling, demand letters, pleadings, discovery and motion practice, court conferences, hearings, trial, appellate litigation, and amicus briefs.

The post-graduate fellow will also develop and deliver external presentations and other programming on First Amendment, media law, and government transparency issues; and research and author resource materials and policy analysis.

The post-graduate fellow will additionally help supervise law students and will participate in building and maintaining relationships with public interest organizations, private attorneys and law firms, journalists and journalism organizations, other law school clinics, and various stakeholders committed to protecting expressive freedoms and furthering access rights throughout Georgia and the southeast. Some travel will be required.

Some travel to be expected.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Under the direction of the Clinic Director, the Fellow will: (1) engage in substantial legal work to include some combination of the following: intake/case evaluation; fact investigation and case development; client counseling; advocacy correspondence; preparing pleadings; discovery and motion practice; court conferences, hearings, and trial; appellate litigation; and amicus briefs; and (2) help supervise law students working on the same.

Under the direction of the Clinic Director, the Fellow will: (1) plan, create, and conduct external presentations, community education, and trainings; (2) research and author resource and policy analysis materials; and (3) help supervise law students working on the same.

Under the direction of the Clinic Director, the Fellow will: (1) assist with building and maintaining relationships with public interest organizations, private attorneys and law firms, journalists and journalism organizations, other law school clinics, and various stakeholders committed to protecting expressive freedoms and furthering access rights throughout Georgia and the southeast; and (2) 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.