Willamette University College of Law invites applications for a full time position as Instructor in Legal Research & Writing beginning in the fall of 2016. This is a non-tenure-track faculty position, but there is the potential for promotion to Professor of Legal Writing with a renewable long-term contract after two years of service. Primary responsibilities include teaching two courses per semester, most likely one section of Legal Research and Writing to first-year law students and one section of Legal Analysis for the Bar to third-year law students. In addition, the instructor will contribute as a valued team member to the advancement of the legal research and writing and bar preparation programs.
This position requires excellent legal research and writing skills, at least two years’ experience in law practice and/or experience in law teaching, a passion for student success, and strong communication and counseling abilities. Interested individuals should submit their application materials, including a cover letter and resume, and if experience with law teaching, teaching evaluations, via the Willamette University human resources website: http://willamette.edu/offices/hr/jobs/index.html. Additional information regarding the position may be obtained from the search committee chairperson, Professor Gwynne Skinner, who may be reached at [email protected]. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on February 15, 2016. Believing that diversity contributes to academic excellence and to rich and rewarding communities, Willamette University is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff and student body. We seek candidates, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, whose work furthers diversity and who bring to campus varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
Another plum opportunity to teach one of the most important and demanding courses in law school. Not only that, but the new hire gets to prepare students for the bar. All of this for no tenure, no voting rights, and a salary topping out at $69,000. The legal academy has so far to go for parity among faculty. So far indeed.
Posted by: Anon | February 01, 2016 at 03:26 PM
Willamette Law is in trouble financially. The number of matriculants has dropped over 30% and the number of applicants has dropped nearly 50%. Almost all of the remaining faculty have dual jobs and titles. Oddly, the legal market in Oregon is improving. I suspect they are going to have difficulty filling this position.
Posted by: Gavin Gunhold | February 04, 2016 at 04:01 PM
Doubt it, Gavn. It pays more than what many solos are making. Voting rights, etc. won't matter to many. It is the paycheck and other Perks that court.
This reminds me of a line Mario Coumo used when Gov. Of NY and the state judges were asking for a raise and arguing that good candidates would not want to be judges given the salary. Mario responded that he "had a list as long as my arm of people who would step over their mothers to become a judge."
Many people will take this deal to get into legal education.
Posted by: Leo | February 04, 2016 at 04:39 PM
Yeah, you're probably right.
Posted by: Gavin Gunhold | February 04, 2016 at 07:51 PM