Georgia Journalism Attorney

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

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 ([email protected]).

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

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

Physical Demands

• Standard for normal office environment.
• Travel for work related duties.
• Driving to perform job related duties.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Is this a Position of Trust?

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Does this position require a P-Card?

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy

• Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia;
• confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for;

and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable.

Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties / Responsibilities

Duties / Responsibilities

Engage in substantial independent legal work and advocacy including :

• 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.

Percentage of time

Duties / Responsibilities

• Create and conduct external presentations and trainings on topics related to government access / transparency and media law.
• Help supervise law students assisting with same.

Percentage of time

Duties / Responsibilities

Help manage the Clinic's law practice, particularly in between semesters and during the summer.

Percentage of time

Duties / Responsibilities

Participate in trainings, conferences, and other professional development activities related to the Clinic's work.

Percentage of time

Duties / Responsibilities

Perform other Clinic-related duties as assigned by the Clinic Director.

Percentage of time