DUKE LAW SCHOOL seeks a Supervising Attorney for its First Amendment Clinic. 

The Clinic advises and represents individuals and groups with First Amendment concerns, claims, or defenses, who cannot afford the assistance of lawyers with specialized First Amendment expertise. The clinic also provides commentary and legal analysis on pending or enacted legislation that implicates First Amendment freedoms, such as Anti-SLAPP laws. Funding for the First Amendment Clinic is provided by the Stanton Foundation, which serves to complete the philanthropic agenda of Frank Stanton in supporting the First Amendment and creating a more informed citizenry. (See more info at: https://law.duke.edu/firstamendment).

Qualified applicants may be individuals currently teaching in a litigation clinic or practicing attorneys with relevant subject matter expertise.

The successful candidate will be required to work closely with the Clinic’s Director and other faculty to supervise students, represent Clinic clients, and teach in the Clinic’s seminar. The ideal candidate will also be prepared to work collaboratively with the Clinic’s Director to administer the operations of the Clinic and to establish networks in North Carolina and the surrounding region with the goal of supporting local journalism. The precise contours of the position will be tailored to the strengths and interests of the successful applicant and formalized with his or her input. In addition to a strong record of, or demonstrated potential for, clinical teaching, the ideal candidate will offer:

(1)Broad-based practice experience in the areas of media, libel, and First Amendment law, civil litigation, and appellate practice; 

(2)A deep commitment to access to justice that is consistent with the ethos of the Duke Law clinics;

(3)Excellent teaching and mentoring skills, and a commitment to bring the best practices of legal pedagogy to the FAC;

(4)The ability and willingness to build connections with campus, local, regional, and statewide communities that seek to promote the values of free speech, press, assembly, and petition.

We would expect the successful candidate to join the Duke Law faculty in the summer of 2022. Minimum requirements include a J.D. (or foreign equivalent), membership in the North Carolina Bar (or eligibility for admission and a willingness to become a member), and at least three years of combined experience practicing and/or teaching in a related area of law. Specific academic title and terms of employment will be determined based upon the successful applicant’s qualifications.

Duke University vaccination policies, a condition of employment and required for access to Duke facilities, can be found at https://coronavirus.duke.edu/2021/08/covid-19-vaccination-a-condition-of-employment-for-university/ and https://flu.duke.edu/exemptions.

Interested applicants must apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/21363) no later than April 15, 2022. Applicants should also submit a letter of interest and résumé or CV also no later than April 15, 2022, via email to Sandra Pettiford at pettiford@law.duke.edu. The letter of interest should include information about what diversity, equity, and inclusion have meant to you, including in your past and present teaching, research, work experience, community engagement, or lived experience.

Please share this announcement with those who might be interested. Questions about this position may be addressed to Sarah Ludington, Clinical Professor of Law (Teaching) and Director of the First Amendment Clinic, ludington@law.duke.edu. 

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.