University of Georgia
University of Georgia is hiring: Georgia Journalism Attorney in Athens
University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
Posting Details
Posting Details Posting Number S12662P Working Title Georgia Journalism Attorney Department Law School-General About the University of Georgia Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens. About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information- Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
- Occasional evenings required
Advertised Salary $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience Posting Date 09/12/2024 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 12/01/2024 Special Instructions to Applicants Apply by October 18, 2024 to ensure full consideration, applications considered on a rolling basis. Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu). USG Core Values Statement 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. Position Information Classification Title Attorney FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications Terminal degree required. Additional professional licensure and/or certification in the field may be required. Preferred Qualifications Two or more years of litigation experience Position Summary The First Amendment Clinic at the University of Georgia School of Law seeks an attorney to support local journalism in Georgia. This position is funded for two years from the start date, with the possibility for renewal dependent on performance and funding availability.
The First Amendment Clinic defends and advances the rights of free speech, press, assembly, and petition through direct client representation, while providing law students with real-world practice experience in First Amendment litigation and advocacy. The Clinic also serves as a resource for journalists, students, government employments, law enforcement, members of the judiciary, and public citizens on issues of free expression and news gathering. This takes the form of presentations, trainings, and creation of written resource materials.
Supported by a grant from The Legal Clinic Fund for Local News, the Georgia Journalism Attorney will provide legal consultation, advocacy, and litigation services to individual journalists and news organizations in Georgia, prioritizing those who do not otherwise have access to legal counsel. This will include, for example, answering newsgathering questions, conducting pre-publication review, providing subpoena and defamation/libel defense, and bringing affirmative litigation on issues of free speech and press. Note that the Clinic does not provide direct representation on access to public records and meetings.
The Attorney will also create and present educational programs and trainings to journalists and news rooms on topics related to government access/transparency and media law.
The Attorney will additionally help supervise law students participating in the First Amendment Clinic who are assigned to Georgia Journalism matters.
This in-person position will be based at the First Amendment Clinic located in Athens, Georgia with some travel required.
This is a grant funded position. Continuation after the end of the project will be dependent on allocation of external or internal funding. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
- JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Barred in Georgia or eligible to waive in, or prepared to take the Georgia bar within the first year of employment.
- Litigation skills.
- Ability to build and maintain client relationships; outstanding advocacy and lawyering skills
- Excellent written and oral communication abilities
- Effective organizational and time-management skills
- Ability and interest to competently supervise law students
- Standard for normal office environment.
- Travel for work related duties.
- Driving to perform job related duties.
- Assuming primary responsibility for developing and managing a local journalism docket.
- Supervising law students who are assisting with this docket.
- Traveling when necessary for coalition-building and court proceedings.
- Create and conduct external presentations and trainings on topics related to government access/transparency and media law.
- Help supervise law students assisting with same.
- Help manage the Clinic's law practice, particularly in between semesters and during the summer.
- 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.