Current Opportunities at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt Law School’s Stanton Foundation First Amendment Clinic is now accepting applications for fellowship position in 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 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.

Department Law School
Full Description

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.

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 Details

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.

Contact Jennifer Safstrom
jennifer.safstrom@vanderbilt.edu
(615) 322-2615
Posted 2024-04-01 14:36:31

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