Visiting Faculty Position and Director of the General Civil Practice Clinic - 100010

Title: Visiting Faculty Position and Director of the General Civil Practice Clinic - 100010

Position Number: 100010

Unit/Department: Drake Law School

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience 

Department Summary:

Drake Law School has a strong tradition of community engagement and practical legal education. Founded in 1971, the Drake Legal Clinic is a cornerstone of our mission to prepare students to become ethical, skilled advocates. The General Civil Practice Clinic provides essential legal services to individuals who cannot otherwise afford representation. Students gain hands-on experience through all stages of client representation, including intake, legal research, drafting, negotiation, and court appearances under faculty supervision.

Founded in 1865, Drake University Law School is one of the 25 oldest law schools in the country and is ranked No. 84 among Best Law Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Iowa’s capital city, Drake offers students unmatched access to courts, government agencies, and legal employers.

Known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, Drake is home to the nation’s only First-Year Trial Practicum and a top-ranked Legal Clinic, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022. Students gain real-world experience representing clients in criminal, civil, immigration, and entrepreneurial matters.

Drake also houses nationally recognized centers, including the Agricultural Law Center, Constitutional Law Center, and Legislative Practice Center—that offer unique opportunities for hands-on legal training and policy engagement.

Des Moines, Iowa, the home of Drake University, is a vibrant capital city known for its welcoming community, thriving arts and culture, and affordable cost of living.

Job Summary:

Drake Law School invites applications for a Visiting Faculty position (Assistant, Associate, or Full – rank commensurate with experience) to direct and teach its General Civil Practice Clinic. The position is a two-year visiting position beginning on July 1, 2026, with the possibility of an additional one-year appointment thereafter.
We are seeking candidates with a demonstrated commitment to experiential legal education, public service, and equitable access to justice. The Visiting Professor will supervise law students in the direct representation of clients across a range of civil matters, manage clinic operations and case selection, and lead a companion seminar focused on lawyering skills, ethical practice, professional identity formation, and critical reflection. Areas of practice may include housing, family law, guardianship, consumer protection, employment, or other legal issues affecting low-income Iowans.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in Iowa or eligible for admission. Preference will be given to individuals with prior teaching experience, or substantial practice experience in civil legal services, or similar public interest work. We welcome applications from current law faculty, experienced practitioners, and other highly qualified candidates.

Job Duties:

The Visiting Professor will supervise law students in the direct representation of clients across a range of civil matters, manage clinic operations and case selection, and lead a companion seminar focused on lawyering skills, ethical practice, professional identity formation, and critical reflection. Areas of practice may include housing, family law, guardianship, consumer protection, employment, or other legal issues affecting low-income Iowans.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All candidates must complete the online application and attach: a cover letter, CV/Resume, and the contact details for three references.

Questions about this position can be directed to the visitor hiring committee chair Professor Nickole Miller (nickole.miller@drake.edu).

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

 

Review of Applications Begins:

Review of candidates will begin September 15, 2025 and continue until t