Law School Academic Support Blog

Assistant Dean of Academic Success and Bar Preparation at Detroit Mercy School of Law

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law seeks applicants for the Assistant Dean of Academic Success and Bar Preparation Department. This position is a tenure-track/administrative position.

Description of Position - Summary

The Academic Success and Bar Preparation Department is a critical department at Detroit Mercy Law. In recognition of the importance of this position, the Assistant Dean of Academic Success and Bar Preparation will hold both a tenure-track position and a twelve-month administrative position. As the director of this Department, the Assistant Dean develops, coordinates, and teaches programs and courses designed to support our students’ success at the School, on the bar examination, and in the practice of law. This Dean works with our students from orientation through bar passage. In addition, this Dean communicates with other faculty members to help them incorporate principles of learning theory into their classes. Finally, this Dean works closely with and supervises the Director of Bar Preparation. The exact title (Assistant Dean and Associate or Assistant Professor of Law) will be commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and expand our current program of Academic Success, including consideration of the development of new courses to meet the needs of all of our students.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of the School’s orientation for new students.
• Teach new or established courses designed to develop the students’ ability to be self-regulated learners.
• Serve as a resource for faculty in effective pedagogy and offer trainings for faculty to incorporate principles of learning theory into their teaching.
• Collect and analyze data on the achievement of learning outcomes and bar passage and make changes to the Academic Success program based on that data.
• Counsel individual students.
• Identify and assist low-performing students needing additional skills development.
• Supervise the activities of the Director of Bar Preparation.
• Publish in accordance with the School’s policies for positions that are both tenure-track and administrative.

Mandatory Qualifications

• D. with a record of high academic achievement from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• At least [2] years teaching academic support or bar preparation in a classroom setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and/or educational training in learning theory
• Experience providing culturally proficient instruction
• Demonstrated ability to conduct data analytics
• Demonstrated commitment to scholarship through publications and/or presentations
• Experience working with vendors of bar examination courses
• Experience with both academic support and bar preparation instruction
• Experience with developing academic support courses
• Experience handling institutionally-sensitive information

About Detroit Mercy Law

Detroit Mercy Law offers a unique curriculum that complements traditional theory and doctrine based course work with intensive practical learning.  Students must complete at least one clinic, one upper-level writing course, one global perspectives course, and one course within our Law Firm Program, an innovative simulated law-firm practicum.  Detroit Mercy Law also offers a Dual J.D. program with the University of Windsor in Canada, in which students earn both an American and a Canadian law degree in three years while gaining a comprehensive understanding of two distinct legal systems. 

Detroit Mercy Law is located one block from the riverfront in Downtown Detroit, within walking distance of federal, state, and municipal courts, the region’s largest law firms, and major corporations such as General Motors, Quicken Loans, and Comerica Bank.  The School of Law is also uniquely situated two blocks from the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, an international border crossing linking Detroit with Windsor and Canada. 

Detroit offers a dynamic variety of culinary, cultural, entertainment, and sporting attractions.  See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO4J_PC1b5M and learn more at https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/20/travel/detroit-michigan-downtown.html.

Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private university, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus.  The university seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's urban mission, commitment to diversity, and tradition of scholarly excellence.  University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse faculty and student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.

 

To Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter with a current CV and any additional supporting materials (or any questions) to:

Professor Karen McDonald Henning, Chair of Faculty Recruitment

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

651 East Jefferson

Detroit, Michigan 48226

henninkm@udmercy.edu, 313-596-0231

Materials will be accepted via email or regular mail.  Review of applicants will begin in July 2020 and will continue until the position is filled.

Assistant Director of Academic Success and Bar Programs at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego is accepting applications for the Assistant Director of Academic Success and Bar Programs position.  The official announcement is here.

The Assistant Director of Academic Success and Bar Programs (ADASBP) reports directly to the Director of Academic Success and Bar Programs. The ADASBP is responsible for contributing to a positive student experience by providing academic success and bar exam support services to current law students and bar exam support services to recent graduates.

The ADASBP shall be assigned an instructor position in the area of academic support and/or bar preparation. Additionally, this position oversees confidential data for Academic Success, Bar Exam Programs, and other student information databases.

The ADASBP works in a collaborative relationship with all law school students, faculty, administrative offices, and university offices. The ADASBP also actively participates in implementing procedures to enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of Academic Success and Bar Programs. The ability to provide timely and accurate communication is an essential component of this position. This position requires occasional attendance at on and off campus events during and outside normal business hours. Some travel may be required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Aid the Director in the Continued Development and Management of the Academic Success and Bar Preparation Programming
Review and improve upon current academic support programs for first year students including first year academic success fellows, 1L study groups, study skills workshops, and early outreach programs
Develop a comprehensive support program designed to aid students who transfer to USD law from other law schools
Aid in the development of the academic success program for students beyond their first year
Advise and work with students on all aspects of bar exam preparation • Host small group workshops on bar-exam related topics
As needed, assist the Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs with the administration of the Academic Supervision and Probation programs
As needed, assist the Director in the general administration of the Academic Success and Bar Programs, including but not limited to working with the USD law faculty and communicating with commercial bar prep companies
Teach Course(s) Designed to Increase Bar Exam and/or Legal Analysis Skills
Provide instruction in connection with the department’s academic success and bar preparation programming, as needed and as determined by the Associate/Vice Dean, Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs, and Director of Academic Success and Bar Programs.
Teaching assignments to occur in the Spring and Fall semesters, with continued instruction and support in summer for recent graduates preparing for the bar exam.
Work with Director to prepare curriculum for course(s) as needed and support Director’s efforts to improve and align curriculum with other instructors.
Provide one-on-one academic counseling to JD students
Hold regular office hours to work with JD students one-on-one to increase their overall academic skills
Provide academic skills tutoring for students in need and refer students to relevant written materials
Some personal and academic counseling may be required
Refer strudents to other counseling resources when necessary.
Manage confidential law school databases and processes relating to student academic information
In conjunction with the Director for Academic Success and Bar Programs and Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs, manage, maintain and update informational databases, spreadsheets, and data reports relating to student performance, bar pass statistical analysis, Academic Supervision, academic success, and other areas as needed.
Provide support to Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs in monitoring student academic status, including those subject to Academic Supervision.
Perform administrative duties
Perform administrative duties as necessary including effectively managing even budgets and costs, responding promptly to emails and phone calls, and attending meetings within the department, law school and university
Keep up to date on latest trends and practices within bar preparation, academic support and legal education. Attendance and active participation in Orientation and Commencement is expected.
Perform other duties or tasks assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

JD degree required.
Admission to state bar required.
Preferred Qualifications:

Experience teaching, providing workshops, or trainings is preferred. California state bar admission preferred.
Experience teaching, providing workshops, or trainings is preferred.
Professional experience in a higher education or law school environment preferred.
Academic counseling or advising experience preferred.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail is critical.
Proven skills in written and oral communication.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in an academic or professional setting.
Ability to handle confidential information, exhibit good judgment, and exemplify appropriate customer service in working with students, faculty, and all levels of university staff and officials.
Ability to prioritize workload effectively and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
Ability to take initiative in managing projects and ability to develop and keep to time lines.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environment.
Ability to be proactive with respect to suggestions for improving all aspects of the programs.
Pleasant demeanor and ability to handle stressful environment during peak times.
Strong computer skills for spreadsheet reporting and word-processing
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Assistant/Associate Director of Academic Support at University of Miami

The University of Miami has resumed its search for a new Associate/Assistant Director of our academic support program. 

This is a faculty (non-tenure) position, titled as Associate or Assistant Director (depending on experience). Miami is a well-established department, with opportunities for growth, leadership, and creativity.

Here is the official job posting: https://umiami.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMFaculty/job/Coral-Gables-FL/Lecturer--Academic-Achievement-Program_R100038186

If you'd like to apply, you can send a cover letter, CV, and references to Alex Schimel directly via email at aschimel@law.miami.edu. If you already applied during the previous cycle, we still have your materials and you do not need to re-apply (though you are welcome to reaffirm your interest to me by email). Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

The ASP questionnaire is pasted below.

 

1.  The position advertised:

_X_   a.   is a full-time appointment.
___   b.   is a part-time appointment.

 

Other, please specify:

 

2.  The position advertised:
___   a.   is a tenure-track appointment.
___   b.   may lead to successive long-term contracts of five or more years.
___   c.   may lead to successive short-term contracts of one to four years.  (Full Time Position)
___   d. has an upper-limit on the number of years a teacher may be appointed.
___   e. is part of a fellowship program for one or two years.

___ f.    is an adjunct appointment.

___ g.    is a year-to-year appointment.

___ h.    is a one-year visitorship.

_X_   i.   is for at will employment.

 

Other, please specify:

 

Additional information, question 2: This is a Lecturer-in-Law faculty position.

 

 

3.  The person hired:
___   a.  will be permitted to vote on all matters at faculty meetings.

___   b.  will be permitted to vote in faculty meetings on matters except those pertaining to hiring, tenure, and promotion.
_X_   c.  will not be permitted to vote in faculty meetings.

Other, please specify:

 

Additional information, question 3:

 

4.  The school anticipates paying an annual academic year base compensation in the range checked below.  (A base compensation does not include stipends for coaching moot court teams, teaching other courses, or teaching in summer school; a base compensation does not include conference travel or other professional development funds.)
___   a.  over $120,000
___   b.  $110,000 - $119,999
___   c.  $100,000 - $109,999
___   d.  $90,000 - $99,999
_X_   e.  $80,000 - $89,999
_X_   f.   $70,000 - $79,999
___   g.  $60,000 - $69,999
___   h.  $50,000 - $59,999
___   i.   $40, 000-49,999
___   j.   $10,000 - $39,000.
___   k.  less than $10,000.

Other, please specify:

 

Additional information, question 4:

 

5.      The person hired will have the title of:

 

___   a.  Associate Dean (including Dean of Students).

___   b.  Assistant Dean.

___   c.  Director.

_X_   d.  Associate Director.

_X_   e.  Assistant Director.

___   f.   Professor – Full, Associate, or Assistant (tenure track).

___   g.  Professor – Full, Associate, or Assistant (clinical tenure track or its equivalent).

___   h.  Professor – Full, Associate, or Assistant (neither tenure track nor clinical tenure track).

___   i.   no title.

 

Other, please specify: Title will be commensurate with experience.

 

Additional information, question 5:

6.      Job responsibilities include (please check all that apply):

 

_X_   a.  working with students whose predicators (LSAT and University GPA) suggest they will struggle to excel in law school.

_X_   b.  working with students who performed relatively poorly on their law school examinations or other assessments.

_X_   c.  working with diverse students.

___   d.  managing orientation.

_X_   e.  teaching ASP-related classes (case briefing, synthesis, analysis, etc.).

_X_   f.   teaching bar-exam related classes.

_X_   g.  working with students on an individual basis.

___   h.  teaching other law school courses.

 

Other, please specify:

 

Additional information, question 6:

 

7.      The person hired will be present in the office:

 

___   a.  9-10 month appointment.

_X_   b. Year round appointment (works regularly in the summer months).

 

Additional information, question 7:

 

8.      The person hired is required to publish, in some form, in order to maintain employment.

 

___   a.  Yes.

_X_   b.  No.

 

Additional information, question 8:

 

9.      The person hired will report to:

 

___   a. the Dean of the Law School.

___   b. an Associate Dean.

_X_   c.  the Director of the Academic Support Department.

___   d.  a Faculty Committee.

Director of Bar Success at University of Baltimore

Director of Bar Success - Click Here

School of Law

Vacancy Number 301065

Position Type: Faculty position with benefits package
Opens: 05/18/20     Closes: Open Until Filled

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications

Position is open until filled, and applications submitted by June 8, 2020 will receive priority consideration.

The Director of Bar Success will hold the non-tenured faculty rank of Professor of the Practice. In this 12-month position, s/he will both teach courses aimed at bar exam readiness and perform key administrative functions that support student success in the profession and on the bar exam. 

We look forward to receiving your required electronic application with a cover letter and resume and learning about your interest in and qualifications for our vacancy.  Please save your required cover letter and resume as one document and attach it in the resume location.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Plan, coordinate, and teach bar exam support courses, workshops, and additional programming as needed, such as peer tutoring and mentoring programs, and including the 3L Essential Skills for the Bar Exam course.

• Advise and assist students with the bar application process and on bar readiness.

• Plan, coordinate, staff, teach workshops, and work directly with recent graduates as part of summer bar exam support programming.

• In connection with other law school faculty and staff members, gather and analyze data on all aspects of academic success and bar support programs to help inform and develop them, with a continuing goal of improving students’ success in law school and on the bar exam.  

• Stay abreast and regularly inform the deans and faculty of best practices and trends in law school academic success and bar support programs, and perform other activities in service to the law school, such as committee and task force work related to student academic success.

Key Responsibilities 

Design and teach courses to support bar exam readiness.

• Plan, coordinate, and teach upper-division bar preparation courses, including the 3L Essential Skills for the Bar Exam course in the fall and spring semesters.

• Collaborate with appropriate faculty committees to propose revisions to existing courses and propose new courses as necessary to address bar passage issues.

Develop and implement other bar readiness workshops and programming and counsel students. 

• Plan, coordinate, staff, teach workshops, and work directly with recent graduates as part of summer bar exam support programming.

• Centralize communication with students about bar exam preparation and the requirements for admission to the bar.

• Offer resources to faculty members regarding teaching techniques and assessments that support bar exam preparation.

• Advise and assist students with the bar application process and on bar readiness.

• Assist repeat bar examinees.

Collect data and stay current on best practices in academic success and bar readiness.

• In connection with other law school faculty and staff members, gather and analyze data on all aspects of bar support programs to help inform and develop them, with a continuing goal of improving students’ success in law school and on the bar exam.  

• Stay abreast and regularly inform the deans and faculty of best practices and trends in law school academic success and bar support programs, and perform other activities in service to the law school, such as committee and task force work related to bar exam and student academic success. 

• Attend national conferences and participate in the greater community of experts in the field of academic support and bar readiness.

• Draft reports, as necessary, regarding student performance, bar support effectiveness, and other relevant aspects of bar exam outcomes.

Support activities in the Office of Academic Affairs such as:

• Exam administration

• Student advising

• Orientation programs for entering students

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Education:  Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school

Experience:  A minimum of three years’ experience teaching or providing academic support to students at an ABA-accredited law school.

Admission to the Bar of any state

Preferred Experience

• Experience in academic support, legal writing, or other law school teaching

• Scholarship in learning theory and academic support 

• A minimum of two years’ experience in law practice.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of law school curriculum and best practices for law teaching. 

• Familiar with ABA regulations and bar admission requirements, including all aspect of the Uniform Bar Exam. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with students, adjunct and full-time faculty, and administrators.  

• Creative approach to problem-solving and excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills.

The University of Baltimore ("UB" or "University") does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, race, religion, age, disability, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected characteristics in its programs, activities or employment practices. UB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Compliant Employer & Title IX Institution.

Tenure Track Director of Academic Success at Stetson University College of Law

Position: Tenure-Track Professor of Law (Academic Success)

Stetson University College of Law seeks an academic success scholar to join our full-time faculty in the summer of 2020. Applicants should have a strong academic record and a demonstrated commitment to outstanding teaching, scholarship, and service. Stetson’s beautiful campuses are located in Florida’s Tampa Bay region, the nation’s eighteenth largest metropolitan area. Stetson is Florida’s oldest law school and is internationally known for its programs in Advocacy, Legal Writing, Elder Law, Environmental Law, and Higher Education Law. We encourage interested applicants to visit our website at http://www.law.stetson.edu to learn more about Stetson, our community, and our programs. Interviews will occur by video/telephone conference.

The professor will be expected to teach courses in the existing curriculum that help students to understand learning techniques and that train students on exam-taking skills and strategies, including strategies for succeeding on the bar exam.  The successful candidate will have the opportunity to provide input on curricular initiatives, particularly in the application of student learning science and successful learning methods to the law school curriculum.

Administrative Responsibilities:

The professor will be responsible for implementing the College of Law’s Academic Success Program, including working closely with faculty and administration to implement a comprehensive plan to maximize student learning and achievement in law school and as professionals.  The professor will interact with students individually to prepare them for success and improve exam performance, as well as supervise a team of academic success counselors.  The professor will also organize workshops designed to help students understand the science of learning and develop techniques that lead to improved success on law school exams.  The professor is expected to help identify those students likely to benefit from academic success programming and encourage their participation.  The professor will be involved in new student orientation, including introducing students to the services offered by the academic success program and providing a basic introduction to legal reasoning.

The professor is expected to work with faculty to maximize teaching effectiveness and attain specified student learning outcomes.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• A current bar license in at least one state.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to pursue a scholarly agenda in the field of student learning and engage in professional service to meet University tenure and promotion requirements.
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication, marketing, interpersonal, organizational, analytical, assessment, and administrative skills.
• Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and discretion.
• Demonstrate a willingness to design and implement innovative programs and services.
• Success working closely and collaboratively with a diverse student body, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for your professional references to Marco Jimenez and Royal Gardner, Co-Chairs, Faculty Appointments Screening Committee. You may email your application to facultyappointments@law.stetson.edu. You may apply through standard mail to Shannon Edgar, Stetson University College of Law, 1401 61st Street South, Gulfport, Florida 33707.

Co-Director of ABES at San Francisco School of Law

The University of San Francisco School of Law seeks candidates for the position of Co-Director of ABES (Academic Foundations) and Assistant Professor to commence summer 2020. 

The Academic and Bar Exam Success (ABES) Program at USF Law School offers comprehensive support services to help all students succeed in law school, in legal practice, and on the bar exam. The program has two Directors, one that focuses on academic foundations, especially in the first and second years of law school and with an emphasis on building foundational academic and legal skills, and the other that focuses on bar success. The two Directors work closely together to develop and implement the overall ABES program. 

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Co-Director of ABES (Academic Foundations) will be responsible for designing and implementing a 1L and 2L curriculum for students to develop strong academic and legal skills (including teaching workshops and a course), meeting individually with students who are in academic difficulty and working with them toward academic success, and working together with the other Co-Director of ABES (Bar Success) to link legal and academic skills to bar exam success.

Applicants should demonstrate a record of strong writing and reading comprehension skills, a record or aptitude for programmatic planning and assessment, and a record or aptitude for working closely with a diverse range of students to advance their skills and success.

Applications from minority group members and individuals whose background or interests will enhance the school's diversity are highly encouraged.

This is a full-time, non-tenure track position. 

A cover letter, CV, references, and teaching evaluations, if available, should be submitted via this link: https://usfca.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/USF_Full-Time_Faculty/job/USF-Hilltop-Campus/University-of-San-Francisco-School-of-Law-Full-time-Non-tenure-Track-Assistant-Professor---Co-Director--Academic-and-Bar-Exam-Success-Program--Academic-Foundations-_R0003068-1.

Hat tip to Legal Writing Blog for the posting.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Lawyering Skills at Western State College of Law

Western State College of Law:
One-Year Visiting Assistant Professor of Lawyering Skills Position

Job Duties:
Western State College of Law seeks applications for a full-time, one-year visiting Assistant Professor of Lawyering Skills position for the 2020-2021 academic year. The position is a one-year visiting contract, with the potential to convert into a long-term contract in the future.

Primary responsibilities include teaching and working with students in the law school’s Academic Success Program and Bar Preparation Program.
The successful candidate will: (1) teach a 1L week-long Orientation and semester-long skills class; (2) regularly meet individually with students and counsel them regarding academic, bar-related, analytical, and study skills; (3) help to supervise Dean’s Fellows (upper level students who work with first-year students); (4) observe the Director teach the bar preparation course in the fall to prepare for teaching a section in the spring; and (5) conduct workshops for students on calendaring, analysis, bar preparation and other topics. The successful candidate will also teach one or more spring-semester classes, which will be chosen in consultation with the Director and the Deans of Western State College of Law.

Requirements:
A J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school, and prior academic-support experience and/or teaching experience. The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail; excellent writing and editing abilities; sound legal skills and knowledge; a passion for counseling and mentoring students; strong interpersonal skills; strong public-speaking skills; and excellent time-management and organizational skills. The position requires the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse environment and the ability to work well as a member of a team and independently. Relevant teaching experience and experience as a practicing attorney are preferred.

Equity, diversity, inclusion, opportunity, and access are of central importance to Western State College of Law. At Western, we are committed to maintaining a community in which each person respects the right of others to live, work, and learn in peace and dignity and to have equal opportunity to realize their full potential as individuals and members of society.

Compensation and Benefits:
Western State College of Law offers a competitive salary within an academic environment based on the candidate’s experience and accomplishments. Western also offers excellent benefits and a 401k plan.

Apply for this Position:
Please submit a CV/resume, statement of interest, one or more sets of sample teaching evaluations, and names and contact information for three references to the Director of Academic Success & Bar Preparation, Lisa Blasser, at lblasser@wsulaw.edu.

Professor of Practice at UNT Dallas College of Law

UNT Dallas College of Law is hiring a Professor of Practice for the Office of Academic Success and Bar Readiness. The role includes: teaching and assisting in the development of academic success and bar readiness related courses and workshops; providing individual academic support and bar readiness counseling to students in all stages of their studies, including those struggling academically and those preparing for the bar exam; serving as an individual support to bar takers, monitoring the progress of bar takers, and providing the encouragement and empathy necessary to contribute to successful bar exam passage; and assisting in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of student data and bar exam data.

The UNT Dallas College of Law is a new public law school whose inaugural class started in Fall 2014. The College of Law currently has, and plans to continue having, one full-time section of approximately 80-90 students, and one part-time evening division of between 40-60 students. For the near-term, each entering class will include a day section and an evening section of approximately these sizes. The College of Law’s goals are: (1) widening access to legal education for those who could be superb legal professionals but who cannot realistically access a legal education given factors including location, cost, and the current role of the LSAT in admission to and financing of law school; (2) providing an educational program focused on excellence in developing practice-related competencies, through a curriculum mapped to those competencies and using best instructional practices, including multiple formative and summative assessment throughout, engaged class design, and a spectrum of experiential education; (3) creating opportunity for our students by keeping tuition and debt low and producing graduates with high value and ability in multiple segments of the market for legal services; (4) becoming a national leader in advancing understanding of best legal education practices, of professional formation, and of the relationship between legal education and the evolving practice and business of law; (5) improving access to justice for underserved legal needs; and (6) serving as a valuable partner in civic engagement with the City of Dallas and the North Texas region.

Tenure Track Position at Penn State

Penn State Dickinson Law in Carlisle, Pennsylvania is seeking applicants for the Director of Academic Success and Bar Passage position.  The Director will hold the rank of Assistant/Associate Professor of Lawyering Skills and serve in a 48 week, tenure-track position.  Visit the full job posting for details and to apply.

In addition, we’re seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor of Lawyering skills, also tenure-track, to teach legal writing, reasoning, and analysis courses.  Visit the full job posting for details and to apply.

For both positions, apply by March 11th for consideration.  The faculty appointments committee and our Dean are hoping to run the searches on an efficiently brisk timeframe. 

Professor of Lawyering Skills at USC

USC’s Gould School of Law is hiring a Professor of Lawyering Skills who will serve as the Assistant Director of Academic Support.  This is a full-time, year-round RTPC (non-tenure track) position.  The successful candidate will co-teach a 2L academic support class; regularly meet individually with students; help to hire and train student Peer Tutors; conduct workshops for students on legal writing and other topics; and assist in curriculum and program development for the Academic Support Program. 

The full description and application  can be found here.

Director of Academic Success Program at the University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee College of Law invites applications for the position of Director of its Academic Success Program (ASP). This is a full time, non-tenure track faculty position. As a member of the faculty, the Director will hold the initial rank of Lecturer (or Senior Lecturer for an applicant with an established track record of success teaching and/or directing an academic success program at a US law school).

The individual will have the opportunity for contract renewal and promotion pursuant to the University of Tennessee’s Faculty Handbook. https://facultyhandbook.utk.edu/non-tenure-track-faculty/ As a member of the faculty, the ASP Director will participate in faculty meetings, will exercise voting rights as defined by the College of Law bylaws, and will have the opportunity to seek funds to support travel to attend and speak at professional conferences. The ASP Director will coordinate, manage, and teach in the Academic Success Programs at the College of Law. UT Law’s Academic Success programming currently includes a 1L pre-orientation program; an Academic Enrichment Program for selected spring semester 1L students; one-on-one advising for students in our Academic Alert program; and other programs and advising for the full student body on topics of academic success and bar exam preparation. The Director will have significant creative input in shaping the future direction of the program. The ASP Director will collaborate with the rest of the faculty to identify opportunities to change our curriculum, teaching methods, and assessment techniques to equip our students with the tools to succeed in law school and on the bar exam.

A law degree from an accredited law school and indicators of academic success in school are required. Additional desired qualifications include at least two years in an academic setting, ideally in the area of law school academic support; knowledge of learning theory (as evidenced by an advanced degree, publications, speeches, etc.); and an understanding of the Uniform Bar Examination, the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination, and other licensing exams used by various states.

This is a twelve-month position with a renewable contract on terms agreed upon at the time of hire and based upon rank. In furtherance of the University’s and the College’s fundamental commitment to diversity among our faculty, student body, and staff, we strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and others whose background, experience, and viewpoints would contribute to a diverse law school environment.

Screening of applicants will begin March 1, 2020, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please mail or email your cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names of at least three references to Paula Schaefer, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Professor of Law, University of Tennessee College of Law, 1505 W. Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or paula.schaefer@tennessee.edu. Applications will be considered as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Assistant Dean for Bar Success at New York Law School

Associate Director for Bar Performance and Assessment at Golden Gate University

BASIC FUNCTION AND SCOPE OF JOB:

Under the supervision of the Faculty Director of Bar Services, the Associate Director will design and implement a comprehensive communications and monitoring system to annually track student preparation and performance on the bar exam by graduating class in all jurisdictions, and assume primary responsibility for collecting and analyzing a wide range of bar performance data for reporting to the law school faculty, university senior leadership and accrediting agencies. The Associate Director will also oversee the delivery of the law school’s 3L/4L and post-graduation bar exam preparation curriculum and programming, including but not limited to the alumni bar mentoring program, essay feedback program and simulated exams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Create and implement a comprehensive program for communicating with students about bar exam requirements in order to assess their preparedness and predict success;
• Design and implement a case management and monitoring system for students in each graduating class, to track exam performance in all jurisdictions, with particular focus on the California Bar Exam;
• Collect, compile, manage and secure a wide-range of data that relates student demographics, participation and academic achievement to bar performance outcomes;
• Conduct statistical analysis and prepare reports for the law school faculty and the university senior leadership following each exam administration;
• In collaboration with the law school dean’s office, compile statistics for the ABA’s annual bar passage questionnaire; recommend strategies to maintain compliance with accreditation standards;
• Oversee and provide individualized counseling to GGU students preparing for the bar exam as well as repeat bar takers;
• Review student practice essays, provide detailed feedback and oversee the law school’s alumni bar mentoring program;
• Formulate and revise as needed the curriculum for bar preparation workshops, courses and orientation sessions;
• Provide training for adjunct instructors and supervise teaching assistants;
• In collaboration with the Faculty Director of Academic Achievement, administer all Themis programs and services throughout the student lifecycle; and,
• Provide support for Academic Achievement programming and teach academic skills courses as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

JD from an ABA-accredited law school and member of the State Bar of California;

• Minimum two years’ experience in preparing students for the bar exam, with prior experience grading the California bar exam preferred;
• Experience with standard practices of data collection, management and analysis; familiarity working with relational database systems and statistical program software packages preferred;
• Proficiency in using Excel and the MS Office suite;
• Superior organizational, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to provide motivation and encouragement to students; think creatively and critically around strategies to assess student preparedness and improve bar exam performance;
• Ability to work independently, managing multiple projects and deadlines under minimal supervision; set priorities, demonstrate initiative and assume leadership while working as a member of a professional team;
• Ability to handle confidential information, collaborate with colleagues, and exhibit good judgment when interfacing with students, staff and faculty; and
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships with all law school constituents, bar examination officials and the legal community.

Assistant Director at UNLV

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Assistant Director, Academic Success Program, UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law [R0119668]

PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution comprised of approximately 31,000 students and more than 3,900 faculty and staff. To date, UNLV has conferred more than 136,000 degrees, producing more than 120,000 alumni around the world. UNLV   is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as an R1 research university with very high research activity. The university is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diversifying population and workforce, driving economic activity through increased research and community partnerships, and creating an academic health center for Southern Nevada that includes the launch of a new UNLV School of Medicine.  UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada.  For more information, visit us online at: http://www.unlv.edu

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity, and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.

ROLE of the POSITION

The position exists to provide support for the Academic Success Program. Reporting to the Director of the Academic Success Program, the Assistant Director meets weekly with current students to assist them with their legal studies, monitors and trains student mentors, assists in curriculum and program development for the bar passage and first-year programs, counsels current students and alumni on bar passage issues, and conducts seminars and workshops. Evening and weekend work is sometimes required.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Juris Doctor from an ABA-approved law school and membership in a state bar and 1 ~ 3 years of related professional experience. Membership in the state bar of Nevada is preferred. Credentials must be obtained prior to the start of employment.

The Assistant Director of the Academic Success Program must have excellent oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail, excellent writing and editing abilities, sound legal skills and knowledge, an affinity for counseling and mentoring students, interpersonal skills, public speaking skills, critical reasoning skills, and excellent time management and organization skills. Solid working knowledge of computer systems and software applications such as PeopleSoft, word processing, spreadsheets, and database management is also desired. This position requires the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse environment and the ability to work well as a member of a team and independently. Prior academic support experience or teaching experience (i.e. Legal writing or comparable teaching experience in writing and analytical skills training) is preferred.

SALARY RANGE

Salary competitive with those at similarly situated institutions. Position is contingent upon funding. 

APPLICATION DETAILS

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based.

Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates’ materials will begin on March 2, 2020, and best consideration will be gained for materials submitted prior to that date. Materials should be addressed to Sydney Lisy, Search Committee Chair, and are to be submitted online as we do not accept emailed materials. For assistance with the application process, please contact UNLV Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or applicant.inquiry@unlv.edu.

Director/Associate Professor of Academic Success Position Available (Maine Law)

 

Please see link for details:

Section on Empirical Study of Legal Education Seeking Nominations

If you are looking for an opportunity to serve in the broader academic community and provide more exposure to the contribution of ASP, please consider nominating yourself, or an eligible colleague to the the AALS Section on Empirical Study of Legal Education and the Legal Profession. The Section is requesting nominations for officers and Executive Committee members to serve beginning January 5, 2020 (following the 2020 AALS Annual Meeting).  We hope that members will consider nominating themselves or others to serve in these capacities.
 
The Section on Empirical Study of Legal Education and the Legal Profession promotes communication relating to the empirical study of the full range of questions raised by legal education and the legal profession, encourages professional development and fostering of relevant skills and expertise for those interested in engaging in the empirical study of legal education and the legal profession, and fosters exploration of and exchange of information relating to research developments between distinct communities within legal education. 
 
The Section is committed to building bridges across the many silos found in legal education, and thus has endeavored to encourage candidates for its officers and executive committee drawn from the diverse ranks of podium faculty; clinical and legal writing faculty; academic support professionals; student affairs professionals; admissions professionals, and other interested members of the broader AALS and legal education community. Officers of the Section and members of its executive committee must be current or retired full-time faculty or professional staff of law schools that are members of the AALS.
 
This call for nominations invites nominations for two officer positions (chair-elect and secretary/newsletter editor) and up to five Executive Committee members (each of whom serves for a one-year term). Current members of the Executive Committee (listed below) are eligible for election to officer positions or for re-election to the Executive Committee. The Nominating Committee will be chaired by Chair-Elect, Victor Quintanilla. The Section encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and parts of the academy to nominate themselves or others for positions as officers or membership in the Section’s executive committee. The executive committee also anticipates forming project-based committees this year that may require chairs and additional members.  

 

To nominate yourself or another, send an email to Chair-Elect Victor D. Quintanilla, (vdq@indiana.edu) with the subject line “AALS Empirical Section Nomination.” Your nomination should, in one to two paragraphs, explain: (a) your background and interests and their relationship to the work of the section, (b) why you are interested in serving in a leadership position as an officer or member of the executive committee, (c) any other information you think might be relevant to your candidacy. Nominations are due by December 13, 2019.

 

I encourage you to lend your talents and unique perspectives to some of the many AALS Sections, and of course, I  hope to see many of you at our Academic Support Section meeting at AALS next month!

 

(Marsha Griggs)

Assistant Director of Academic Success and Bar Preparation at Stetson

STETSON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW, located in the Tampa Bay area, invites applications from candidates interested in serving as the Assistant Director of Academic Success and Bar Preparation Services. This is a non-faculty position. The successful candidate will participate in the development and implementation of a comprehensive program that partners with students and alumni from admission through bar passage.

The Assistant Director will be primarily responsible for academic counseling, planning and presenting academic skills workshops, and coaching alumni who are studying for the bar exam.

Qualifications:

JD degree from an ABA accredited law school, required.

Member in good standing with the Florida Bar, required.

One to three years’ experience in legal academic support, preferred.

High level of organization, flexibility, sound judgment, and interpersonal skills.

Must have strong written and verbal communications skills and make large and small group presentations.

Legal practice experience, required.

The ability to conduct basic statistical analysis.

Teaching experience, preferred.

Experience with Academic Success program and Stetson Bar Preparation Program, a plus.

Flexibility to work outside the normal assigned schedule when requested.

Works with the faculty and staff to build an environment that promotes and facilitates the success of Diversity and Inclusive Excellence. Proficiency in MS Office.

APPLICATION: Please visit https://stetson-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/  for a complete job description. Click on How to Apply to complete the secure online application and upload your resume. The position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will continue until position is filled. All correspondence will be held in strictest confidence.

Law Success Instructor at St. Mary's School of Law

St. Mary's School of Law is seeking a Law Success Instructor to work in their innovative program.

About Us

The Office of Law Success at St. Mary’s University School of Law is on a mission is to ensure that our students are successful in law school, on the bar exam, and in practice.  We achieve this mission by being:

• An innovative, data-driven program that thrives on new ideas and methodologies for success
• Dedicated teachers engaged in developing our students and ourselves
• Committed to the academic success of our law students through individualized development that meets each student where they are
• Providing one-of-a-kind assistance to our students during bar exam prep
• A team of people passionately dedicated to changing the face of what it means to guide law students to success today

About You

You come to the office five days a week (except holidays) energized and excited knowing that the day ahead will involve:

• Teaching upper level writing or bar preparation courses
• Planning and execution of bar exam preparation programming
• Meetings with students to provide academic support, counseling, and skills development
• Reviewing student work and providing feedback to develop them as young professionals
• Working with your team to develop program materials that serve our students
• Hard, but incredibly rewarding work in helping mold future lawyers

You Also Need

• A JD degree and a strong academic record
• Excellent writing and research skills
• A minimum of two years of legal work since graduating with your JD
• To submit a cover letter showing your interest in the position and describing why you are a fit for this role
• To submit a curriculum vita and official transcript
• To submit a writing sample demonstrating your excellent research and writing skills

A Few More Details

• Experience in bar exam preparation or coaching is strongly preferred
• This is a non-tenure track, ten-month position (January-October) with a one-year contract, with options for renewal after evaluation
• The starting salary is set at $65,000 depending upon prior experience
• To apply please go to: http://stmarytx.applicantpro.com/jobs/
• Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check

If this fits you, you have until November 8, 2019 to apply!

New Faculty Positions at University of Richmond

The University of Richmond created 2 new faculty positions to help students develop both legal analysis and professional skills.  The description for the positions are exactly what ASPers do each day.  Here is the information:

"Two newly posted faculty positions at the University of Richmond School of Law are aimed at helping students adapt to a changing legal profession. The school plans to hire a Director of Legal Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Director of Professional Identity Formation starting with the 2020-2021 school year.

“Our vision is for these two offerings to be signature programs of the Richmond Law experience," said Jessica Erickson, Associate Dean of Faculty Development. Through the Professional Identity Formation program, students will develop "the habits of mind and character" that are associated with professional excellence in the legal field. Meanwhile, students will learn a broad toolbox of skills – from project management to data analytics – in the Legal Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. The programs will include a mandatory course in the first year, as well as upper-level electives and co-curricular offerings. "These two programs will work in tandem to make our students as well-rounded as possible and truly prepare them for the modern legal profession," said Erickson. "Traditional legal doctrine and skills will always be the cornerstone of legal education, but lawyers today need a broader toolkit to serve their clients effectively."

Learn more:

Director for Professional Identity Formation - https://law.richmond.edu/faculty/hiring/professional_ID.html

Director for Legal Innovation & Entrepreneurship position - https://law.richmond.edu/faculty/hiring/innovation.html"

Professor of Practice at Nova Southeastern

Nova Southeastern is looking to expand its Academic Success Department and is looking for a Professor of Practice to join the team.

Susan Landrum said if you are interested in working in a collaborative environment that prioritizes academic and bar support, I encourage you to apply. The link to the job description, listed as an Academic Success & Professionalism Program Instructor, is available here.

Susan said she would talk to anyone who may be interested in the position at landrums@stjohns.edu.