Case Western Reserve University School of Law-Assistant Professor and Director-Dr. Frank Stanton First Amendment Clinic
Case Western Reserve University School of Law invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position as Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Dr. Frank Stanton First Amendment Clinic beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year. We seek candidates with distinguished academic records, extensive litigation experience in First Amendment law, demonstrated interest in producing and/or a record of scholarship (a substantial draft of an article will be considered), and demonstrated excellence in teaching. A strong legal research and writing background is essential. In addition, the candidate must have a strong commitment to training and developing a pipeline of future litigators who will protect the First Amendment, both now and into the future.
The First Amendment Clinic is part of the Milton and Charlotte Kramer Law Clinic (“Kramer Law Clinic”) and is committed to creating opportunities for students to develop foundational skills and experience in the litigation and advocacy of First Amendment issues. Key responsibilities will involve identifying the Clinic’s clients and cases, supervising all case work, and teaching in weekly classroom seminars. This position will have the opportunity to shape the Clinic’s focus, build partnerships, and design the curriculum to maximize both student learning and client impact.
The candidate will report to and work with the Managing Attorney of the Kramer Law Clinic and the Associate Dean for Experiential Education and Director of the Kramer Law Clinic and will collaborate closely with other law school faculty and staff to integrate the Clinic’s work into the broader academic, experiential, and scholarly mission of the School of Law. This collaboration may include co-teaching opportunities, joint research or advocacy projects, and interdisciplinary partnerships with other university departments.
The Clinic will provide free legal services to underserved clients in First Amendment matters and will collaborate with other Kramer Law Clinics, as well as other university programs where appropriate. While the specific docket will reflect the Director’s expertise, there are curricular needs in areas such as free speech, freedom of the press, and assembly rights. The Director will be expected to focus the majority of their activities on: (1) First Amendment law, and (2) serving clients in Ohio.
For the purposes of this appointment, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and similar access requests are not included within the scope of First Amendment law. This position will join the Kramer Law Clinic faculty as a member of our teaching law firm.
In compliance with the City of Cleveland’s Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective
October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is from $130,000 - $145,000. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and paid time off.
Qualifications
Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.
Licensed to practice in the state of Ohio or have the ability to be licensed in the state of Ohio
A minimum of three (3) years of First Amendment litigation experience is recommended, with preference towards candidates with Ohio-based litigation experience.
Commitment to excellence in teaching, mentoring, and scholarly research.
Prior law school teaching experience is preferred but not required.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit the following:
Curriculum vitae
Cover letter indicating interest and areas of teaching expertise
One-page description of how you would identify and respond to First Amendment legal needs in Northeast Ohio. Include areas of litigation or advocacy that could inform the development of a First Amendment clinic and create meaningful student learning opportunities.
A scholarly agenda that describes past research and scholarship, and outlines plans for a future research agenda at Case Western Reserve University.
Summaries of recent teaching evaluations, if available
Three external reference letters, dated within 18 months of submission
Applications must be submitted electronically via CWRU’s Interfolio portal. Review of applications will begin August 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.