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College of Law | First Amendment Clinic

The First Amendment Clinic seeks a highly motivated Fellow for the 2026–2027 academic year. Working closely with the Clinic Director and Supervising Staff Attorney, the Fellow will assist in supervising law students, representing clients in constitutional litigation and advocacy matters, and supporting the Clinic's educational and public engagement initiatives.

This is a visiting, full-time, 12-month academic appointment based in Tallahassee, Florida. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an early-career attorney interested in constitutional litigation, clinical legal education, public-interest advocacy, and First Amendment law.

Under the direction of the Clinic Director, the Fellow will:

Litigation, Client Representation, and Student Supervision

• Collaborate with Clinic faculty and student attorneys on all aspects of client representation.
• Assist with client intake, case assessment, and factual investigations.
• Conduct legal research and analysis involving First Amendment and related constitutional issues.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, amicus briefs, demand letters, and other legal filings.
• Participate in discovery, motion practice, and appellate advocacy.
• Assist with hearings, depositions, administrative proceedings, and court appearances.
• Help supervise and mentor law students engaged in direct client representation.
• Work with students to develop litigation strategies and advocacy plans.
• Assist in managing the Clinic's active case docket and maintaining client relationships.

Teaching, Outreach, and Public Programming

• Support the classroom component of the First Amendment Clinic course.
• Assist with seminar instruction and skills-based training exercises.
• Provide feedback on student written work and advocacy projects.
• Participate in community education initiatives and public outreach efforts.
• Assist with conferences, lectures, debates, and other events related to constitutional law and civic engagement.
• Contribute to the Clinic's efforts to promote informed discussion and scholarship on First Amendment issues.

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Must be eligible to seek admission to The Florida Bar or otherwise obtain authorization to practice as required for Clinic representation.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A strong academic record.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational and project-management abilities.
• The ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, clients, and community partners.
• A demonstrated interest in constitutional law, civil liberties, public-interest litigation, or clinical legal education.
• One to three years of litigation, appellate, judicial clerkship, or public-interest legal experience.
• Experience in constitutional litigation, civil rights litigation, or First Amendment matters.
• Prior experience supervising, mentoring, or teaching students.
• Demonstrated commitment to protecting constitutional rights and civil liberties.
• Experience drafting dispositive motions, appellate briefs, or amicus briefs.
• Strong oral communication and advocacy abilities.
• Sound professional judgment and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A commitment to client-centered representation and professional ethics.
• The ability to work effectively with individuals holding varied viewpoints and perspectives.

While prior expertise in First Amendment law is desirable, it is not required. Candidates must be willing to engage in significant research and study to develop expertise in the Clinic's substantive areas.

About the First Amendment Clinic

The First Amendment Clinic at Florida State University College of Law provides pro bono legal representation to individuals and organizations whose rights to free speech, freedom of association and assembly, or freedom of the press are at risk. Created in partnership with the Stanton Foundation and the FSU Institute for Governance and Civics, the Clinic defends fundamental constitutional liberties in a wide range of settings, including public forums, educational institutions, digital platforms, government settings, and private workplaces.

Students are at the center of the Clinic's work and participate in every stage of client representation under the supervision of experienced faculty. Students conduct client interviews, investigate facts, research legal issues, develop litigation strategies, draft court filings and amicus briefs, and advocate before administrative bodies and courts. In addition to direct client representation, the Clinic serves as a center for scholarship, public engagement, and civic dialogue through conferences, lectures, debates, and educational programming on First Amendment issues.

For any questions related to the position, please contact:

Denise Harle

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

The anticipated starting salary for this position is in the range of $65,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience and education.

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If qualified and interested in a specific Faculty job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Faculty Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include education details even if attaching a Vita.

This is a Faculty position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is being advertised as open until filled.

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.