Job Description

The First Amendment Clinic at Tulane University School of Law seeks a full-time Legal Fellow (the \xe2\x80\x9cSunshine Fellow\xe2\x80\x9d) for a term of two years, with the possibility of renewal.

Tulane\'s First Amendment Law Clinic (the Clinic) launched in 2020 to defend and advance the rights of free speech and press 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 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 Sunshine Fellow will be responsible for representing and counseling citizens and members of the Louisiana press on matters related to access to public information and meetings under Louisiana law.

Under the direction of the Clinic\'s Director, the Sunshine Fellow will be expected to: (1) conduct outreach to members of the press statewide to establish relationships and create partnerships, (2) engage in direct legal work and client representation related to public access issues faced by members of the press, including intake, legal research, drafting and filing pleadings, and handling litigation; and (3) creating community education materials and conducting community presentations.

The start date for this position is negotiable but no later than July 1, 2023 (and ideally sooner). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, references and short writing sample to Katie Schwartzmann, Director, First Amendment Law Clinic at kschwartzmann@tulane.edu. Please use the subject line, \xe2\x80\x9cApplication for Sunshine Fellowship.\xe2\x80\x9d

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with both students and community partners

• Interest in government transparency and accountability

SPECIAL REQUIRED ABILITY FOR INCUMBENTS WHO HAVE CONTACT OR EXPOSURE TO ANIMALS OR ANIMAL TISSUES:

Ability to complete and pass successfully the required occupational health screening referenced in the University\'s Animal Handler Health Surveillance Program on an annual basis.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK, PHYSICAL, AND DRUG SCREENING FOR INCUMBENTS WHO HAVE CONTACT OR EXPOSURE TO ANIMALS OR ANIMAL TISSUES:

Selected candidates must complete and pass a background check and an occupational health screening as a condition of employment. For identified jobs, a drug screening will also be required. The background investigation required occupational health screening, and any required drug screening will be conducted after a conditional employment offer has been extended.
Required Education and/or Experience

• Candidates must possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and 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

• Strong academic record

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public records or open meetings access; and/ or

• Experience working as a member of the press and/or demonstrated commitment to journalism and government transparency principles; and/or

• Louisiana state court litigation experience.

How To Apply

Please Note: Tulane University has officially adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which includes the requirement of a booster when eligible. All employees and visiting faculty must be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccination or obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption prior to beginning employment.

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