University of Nebraska establishes First Amendment Clinic

The University of Nebraska College of Law is establishing a First Amendment Clinic, thanks to a gift from the Stanton Foundation.

The clinic will support First Amendment rights by focusing on local and regional cases concerning freedoms of speech, the press, assembly and petition. It will also enhance law students’ understanding of the First Amendment and serve as a resource for organizations, students, journalists and citizens defending First Amendment rights.

“Our clinical programs help students develop skills as they work on real cases and are a highlight in many students’ law school careers,” said Dean Richard Moberly. “I’m grateful to the Stanton Foundation for allowing us to create another meaningful way for our students to advance justice and solve problems.”

Nebraska’s First Amendment Clinic will be offered to third-year law students in spring 2024 but is already seeking clients.

The First Amendment Clinic will be led by Director Daniel Gutman and Assistant Director Sydney Hayes.

Gutman spent several years in private practice, litigating constitutional claims, election law matters and commercial claims before joining the College of Law faculty. Hayes also has experience in litigation involving complex constitutional issues and business disputes. Both are graduates of Nebraska Law.

“We’re looking for a wide range of cases and clients,” Gutman said.

The First Amendment Clinic joins Nebraska Law’s growing number of clinical offerings, which includes the Children’s Justice Clinic, Civil Clinic, Criminal Clinic, Debtor’s Defense Clinic, Estate Planning Clinic, Housing Justice Clinic, Immigration Clinic and Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic.