Job Opportunity at Seton Hall Law: Director of Skills Curriculum

Seton Hall Law seeks a Director of Skills Curriculum, which comprises the first through final year collection of skills courses as well as intra- and inter-school competitions.  The Law School’s recently adopted strategic plan aspires to a Skills Curriculum that approaches inculcation of skills holistically, reflecting coherence among the various pieces that currently comprise the curriculum.  The strategic plan emphasizes that most students do not become litigators, and that the curriculum should therefore reflect the skill set required of those who engage, inter alia, in training, counseling, investigation, and transactional practice.  It also recognizes, however, that there are certain skills common to every area of practice that should be contained in the required portion of the curriculum, such as fact-finding and oral presentation.   The strategic plan is being implemented with an eye towards the Carnegie Report and on-going discussions by the ABA Legal Education Committee about re-orienting accreditation standards towards a great focus on skills development.

The Director is responsible for the required Persuasion and Advocacy course and advanced litigation courses, including design of the curriculum, as well as hiring, training, and supervising the adjunct faculty.  The Director also coordinates the Skills Committee, develops and manages the skills budget, and develops written and web materials about the program.  At this time, the Director oversees the mock trial program as well.  The Director would also be expected to teach in some component of the Skills Program.

The several faculty and administrators who oversee the various segments of the skills curriculum, both full-time and adjunct, would report to the Director. The major exception is the clinical programs, housed in the Center for Social Justice, and externships, housed in the Office of Career Services, with which the Director would work closely to ensure a cohesive experience.  The Director of Skills Curriculum reports to the Associate Dean for Curriculum and is a long-term ABA Standard 405(c) contract 12 month position.  Salary is competitive. Applicants should have significant practice experience, as well as proven administrative and program-building experience.  Application Dead line – February 15, 2009. Respond to Maria Polimeni, Assistant to Associate Deans. 

-jl