Job ID 347493
Location Twin Cities
Job Family Academic
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
Job Code 9771TA
Employee Class Acad Prof and Admin

About the Job

The University of Minnesota Law School welcomes applications for appointment to the position of Director of Legal Research and Writing (the Director) to oversee the Law School’s Legal Research and Writing Program for first-year students (the Program). The Director holds the rank of Associate Clinical Professor of Law and will be eligible for a continuous appointment to the rank of Clinical Professor of Law.  We anticipate this individual starting employment no later than July 2022.  The salary of the Director will be commensurate with experience.

Description of the Program:

All first-year students take Legal Research and Writing, which currently is a four-credit course taught over the course of two semesters and graded on an Honors/Pass/Fail basis.  The writing component of the course is taught in small sections by two-person teams consisting of a practicing attorney and an upper-division (2L or 3L) student instructor.  The attorney teaches the weekly class sessions, the student holds weekly office hours, and both instructors read and comment upon all written assignments. All instructors follow a common syllabus and set of lesson plans developed by the Director.  The research component of the course is taught by our reference librarians in coordination with the Director.  The Program culminates in the spring semester with an oral advocacy competition.

Responsibilities of the Director Relating to the Program Include:

  • Hiring, training, and supervising attorney instructors and upper-division student instructors.
  • Designing the curriculum for the Program, including the syllabus, lesson plans, assignments, and teaching aids.
  • Developing pre-law curriculum for incoming 1Ls and teaching at 1L orientation.
  • Planning and coordinating legal research instruction with the Law Library staff.
  • Teaching at least one section in the Program.
  • Overseeing grading for the Program with an eye toward ensuring the consistent application of evaluation criteria across all sections.
  • Integrating a yearly Minnesota Supreme Court case, oral argument, and Law School visit into the curriculum.
  • Overseeing the Program’s 1L oral advocacy and best brief competitions.
  • Reviewing the current Program structure and curriculum and recommending and designing changes in consultation with the Assistant Dean for Experiential Education.

Additional Responsibilities of the Director Include:

  • Teaching and/or coaching in the second-year moot court (appellate advocacy) program in coordination with the Director of Appellate Advocacy.
  • Working with the Director of Academic Success to provide additional support for students who would benefit from supplemental instruction and feedback on their legal writing.
  • Helping oversee the William E. McGee National Civil Rights Moot Court Competition.
  • Other general clinical faculty responsibilities, including serving on law school committees, advising on law student journal notes, and serving as a 1L faculty advisor.
  • Teaching courses in the general curriculum (subject to interest and curricular need).
  • Contributing to the development of the legal writing field and legal education.

Qualifications

At a minimum, candidates must possess a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school, bar admission, and demonstrated writing ability.  Desired qualifications include (1) teaching experience, (2) law practice experience, and (3) administrative experience

About the Department

The University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve the complex social, economic and business issues of our time. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century.

We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture that emphasizes teamwork, problem solving, leadership and persuasion. Students learn to think analytically, to identify the core element of a complex problem and to develop real-world solutions—skills that are essential beyond law school for all fields of employment. Public service is at our core. Our students embrace it, our faculty and staff reinforce it, and our community benefits from it.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • University HSA contributions
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
  • Employee wellbeing program
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
  • Financial counseling services
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. This position requires that you attach your cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of at least three (3) professional references who can attest to an applicant’s teaching ability and potential for future teaching excellence.

Deadline for applications is May 18, 2022.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  https://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.