What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Fellow First Amendment position at Tulane University?
Job Description
The First Amendment Clinic at Tulane University School of Law seeks a full-time Stanton Legal Fellow (the Fellow) for a term of two years.
Tulane’s First Amendment Law Clinic (the Clinic) launched in 2020 to defend and advance the rights of free speech, press, assembly, and petition 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 defending journalists against intimidation lawsuits; representing students in engaging in free speech; 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 Clinic represents citizens of all political viewpoints and from diverse parts of the State.
Under the direction of the Clinic’s Director, the Fellow will be expected to: (1) engage in direct substantial legal work and client representation including intake, drafting and filing pleadings, conducting legal research, discovery, motion practice, and court appearances; and (2) helping to support the Clinic’s law student attorneys through collaboration on case work and client matters. The Fellow may also assist with conducting community education and outreach.
Interviews will be conducted during the Fall 2025 semester. The selected candidate is expected to start on July 1, 2026, in the position.
Responsibilities
The First Amendment Clinic at Tulane University School of Law seeks a full-time Stanton Legal Fellow (the Fellow) for a term of two years.
Tulane’s First Amendment Law Clinic (the Clinic) launched in 2020 to defend and advance the rights of free speech, press, assembly, and petition 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 defending journalists against intimidation lawsuits; representing students in engaging in free speech; 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 Clinic represents citizens of all political viewpoints and from diverse parts of the State.
Under the direction of the Clinic’s Director, the Fellow will be expected to: (1) engage in direct substantial legal work and client representation including intake, drafting and filing pleadings, conducting legal research, discovery, motion practice, and court appearances; and (2) helping to support the Clinic’s law student attorneys through collaboration on case work and client matters. The Fellow may also assist with conducting community education and outreach.
Interviews will be conducted during the Fall 2025 semester. The selected candidate is expected to start on July 1, 2026, in the position.
Responsibilities
- Strong interest in freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated capacity for working with people from varied backgrounds.
- An ability to build and maintain relationships with both students and community partners.
- An interest in First Amendment law.
- Willingness to travel.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong legal research, analysis and writing skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize work assignments.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in all work performed.
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- A strong academic record.
- 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).
- 2 years of experience defending the First Amendment’s expressive clauses.
- 2 years of federal court litigation experience.
- A demonstrated commitment to the First Amendment.