Clare R. Norins, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the First Amendment Clinic, presented virtually in March on public defenders’ First Amendment rights when speaking to the media. Norins participated as part of a panel titled “Speaking Truth, Staying Ethical” during the National Association for Public Defense conference, “Rise. Resist. Represent. 2026.”
The topic is significant because it addresses how public defenders can balance their ethical responsibilities with their right to free speech when engaging with the press.
The University of Georgia School of Law, where Norins teaches, has earned national and regional titles in advocacy competitions according to the official website. The school also supports experiential learning through 18 clinics and externships while promoting high graduate employment rates as indicated on the official website.
In addition to these programs, the law school maintains the Alexander Campbell King Law Library with extensive resources according to the official website. The institution has been ranked No. 22 by U.S. News & World Report and recognized for value by National Jurist according to the official website.
Serving a diverse student body with strong academic profiles is another focus at Georgia Law as noted on its official website. The school aims to redefine excellence in national public legal education through superior teaching and community service per its official website.
Looking ahead, discussions like those led by Norins may help inform best practices for public defenders nationwide as they navigate media interactions while upholding ethical standards.
