University of Iowa College of Law. (image via law school's Web site)

Lawyers for the University of Iowa law school are trying to avoid another trial over whether a conservative was improperly passed over for jobs.

The school asked a judge to enter judgment in its favor Thursday and dismiss Teresa Wagner’s lawsuit.

Wagner’s attorney is asking for a retrial amid confusion about an unusual mixed verdict returned by jurors.

Jurors found Wagner didn’t face discrimination under the First Amendment, but deadlocked on whether her constitutional rights to equal-protection were violated. A magistrate initially declared mistrial on both counts, before accepting the verdict on count one.

University lawyers say Wagner’s 14th Amendment claim should be dismissed since jurors rejected her claim of political discrimination in count one, an essential element. They say it’s not established that “political conservatives are a protected class.”