Visiting Law Associate (Stanton Fellowship) - College of Law

Visiting Law Associate (Stanton Fellowship) - College of Law

College of Law

The First Amendment Clinic is hiring a Fellow for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is a one-year position, with an anticipated start date in August 2026, with the possibility of renewal for a second year depending on performance and funding.

The University of Illinois College of Law launched the First Amendment Clinic in 2023 with the support of the Stanton Foundation. The Clinic works to defend and advance the rights of free speech, press, assembly and petition through litigation and advocacy, while providing law students with practice and real-world experience to become leaders on First Amendment issues.

The Clinic takes on a wide array of matters including defending individuals exercising their right to dissenting political speech, advancing litigation on behalf of journalists to gain access to vital information, pursuing claims arising out of retaliation for First Amendment-protected speech, and advocating for the rights of citizens to openly critique government entities and officials. The Clinic represents individuals and organizations across the Midwest whose viewpoints span the political spectrum.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Clinic's Director, the Fellow will be expected to:

• support the Clinic's law student attorneys through collaboration on direct, substantial legal work and client representation including intake, drafting and filing pleadings, conducting legal research, discovery, motion practice, and court appearances (85%); and
• assist with conducting community education and outreach, and will be given the opportunity to teach some classes within the classroom component of the First Amendment Clinic course (15%).

The Clinic is based in Champaign, IL but there is flexibility for a hybrid remote/in-person schedule. The Fellow will be required to be on campus for class and student supervision meetings during the academic calendar, and as case needs require.

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

Education:
Required: Candidates must possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
Preferred:

Experience:
Required: Candidates should possess a strong academic record; excellent written and oral communication skills; strong organizational and time management skills; an ability to build and maintain relationships with both students and community partners; and an interest in First Amendment law.
Preferred: Preference will be given to candidates who have at least two years of litigation or clerkship experience, and a demonstrated commitment to the First Amendment.

Training, Licenses or Certifications:
Required: Candidates must be licensed to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction as soon as practicable after beginning the fellowship, and no later than November 2026.
Preferred:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A familiarity with First Amendment law is not required, but the Fellow must be willing to commit to research and study to achieve competence in the Clinic's substantive areas.

The deadline to apply for this position is May 22, 2026. A CV, writing sample and a Statement of Interest are required. Submitting professional references with your application is strongly recommended.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/15/2026. Salary range is $60,000-$68,000. This position is eligible for work authorization sponsorship.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 22, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Devin Scheidemantel at wds@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

Requisition ID: 1035780
Job Category: Professional and Administrative