Clinical Assistant Professor, Legal Writing

Position Title:

Clinical Assistant Professor, Legal Writing

Position Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

$125,000 - $150,000

Purpose:

Santa Clara University School of Law is dedicated to educating lawyers who lead with a commitment to excellence, ethics, and social justice.  This position will serve as a member of the Executive Faculty at the School of Law, teaching legal writing courses and other subjects that support our mission to prepare the next generation of Santa Clara lawyers.

 

This position is a 100% full-time, eleven-month appointment.

 

The position is a renewable term faculty (“RTF”) appointment, subject to the School of Law’s Standards and Procedures for Hiring, Retention, and Promotion of Full-Time RTF, which are summarized below.

 

An entry-level RTF appointment will initially receive a two-year appointment as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Law.  An entry-level RTF shall be subject to a retention decision after their two-year term.  A favorable retention decision will lead to a three-year contract.

 

A RTF serving a three-year term shall be subject to a retention decision during the third year of that contract.  A favorable decision will lead to a five-year contract with an appointment as an Associate Clinical Professor of Law, and the presumption of renewal of future 5-year contracts.  An Associate Clinical Professor of Law may seek promotion to Clinical Professor of Law in their fifth year as an Associate.  RTF retention and promotion decisions are based upon teaching, program management (if applicable), service, and contribution to the school and the legal profession. 

 

Candidates may apply for lateral appointments to this position, receiving credit for prior years of service in a full-time teaching position at another US law school.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

1.   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·  Exceptional legal analysis, writing, research, and oral presentation skills

 ·  Comfort, familiarity, and interest in working with students from diverse backgrounds      

·  Ability to mentor and support the next generation of practice-ready lawyers

·  Approachable and collaborative personal style, works well with others in di verse, multicultural coalitions and workplaces

·  Strong organizational skills that will support timely, effective, and empathetic feedback

·  Possesses a positive attitude, sense of humor and flexibility

·  Flexible and creative problem-solver, possessing strong critical thinking skills

·  Flexible work hours, ability to work some evenings and weekends to support student needs

·  Up-to-date knowledge of the California Bar Exam and general law practice to support academic and career advising

·  Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn new subject matters

 

2. Education and/or Experience

·  Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited institution and member of a state bar of the United States, in good standing, California bar preferred

·  Minimum three years of experience as a practicing attorney, teaching a legal writing or clinical course at a U.S. law school full-time, or a combination of both

·  Subject matter expertise in the process of creating legal written work product; experience mentoring or supervising the process preferred

·  An ideal candidate will have prior experience teaching legal writing courses

·  Subject matter expertise to teach subjects tested on the California bar exam, especially subject areas that have recently been added (administrative law, employment law, family law, and estate planning); experience teaching these subjects preferred.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

1. Teaching:

 

You will teach a tot