WASHBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW invites applicants for a two-year visiting assistant professor to teach in the Washburn Law Clinic and to teach complementary doctrinal courses, beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year. We are particularly interested in applicants qualified to teach in a small business, transactional, and/or non-profit law clinic. While this is a visiting position, it may convert into a tenure-track appointment after the 2024-2025 academic year depending on budget and curricular needs. If a tenure-track position is approved for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond, the law school will conduct a national search and the visiting faculty member will be welcome to apply for the position. If the successful candidate has earned tenure at another ABA-approved law school, the candidate may be eligible for an appointment with tenure if selected for the tenure-track position. Application materials should clearly articulate the candidate’s record of work supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and state how the candidate will contribute to Washburn University's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices.

Founded in 1970, Washburn University School of Law’s in-house, live client clinical program has been an integral part of the law school curriculum staffed by tenured and tenure-track positions. Washburn Law Clinic practice areas include Family Justice & Immigration, Civil Practice, Criminal Defense, and Small Business & Nonprofit Transactional (SBNT) Law. Washburn also hosts a Criminal Appeals Advocacy Clinic administered in cooperation with the Kansas Appellate Defender Office. The SBNT Law Clinic was initiated in 2005 and is on hiatus during the 2022-2023 academic year. The SBNT clinic is the only law school clinic in Kansas that represents small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution. The Washburn campus is located in the heart of Topeka, Kansas, blocks from the historic state capitol. Topeka features affordable housing; beautiful, historic neighborhoods with well-maintained parks; and a nationally recognized public library. It is also the home of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Site.

Washburn University School of Law is committed to diversity in its faculty and encourages applicants whose backgrounds will enrich the law school. We offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, a supportive leadership team, and a healthy work/life balance. At Washburn, we strive to ensure a campus climate that supports the success of every employee and appreciates the unique skills and expertise each contributes to serving our students.

Essential Functions:
The appointed hire will be responsible for fulling teaching expectations associated with a visiting assistant professor appointment, teaching a full workload as outlined in the faculty handbook.

The appointed hire will be responsible for fulfilling service expectations associated with a visiting assistant professor appointment.

Required Qualifications:

·      JD degree from an ABA accredited law school.

·      A demonstrated commitment to clinical legal education.

·      A demonstrated commitment to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage students from diverse backgrounds.

·      Kansas bar license or eligibility to apply for a restricted license to practice in a clinical setting for the length of the appointment, which does not require the taking of the Kansas state bar exam.

Official transcripts required at time of hire. 

Preferred Qualifications:

·      Training or experience appropriate to teach in a small business, transactional and/or non-profit clinic.

·      Training or experience appropriate to teach doctrinal courses complementary to the clinic, such as in the area of non-profit law, intellectual property, technology, energy, environmental law, and tax.

Background check required.

Washburn is an EOE and is dedicated to providing a student-centered and teaching-focused academic and work environment. We seek candidates who are committed to Washburn’s efforts to create a campus climate that fosters the growth and development of a diverse student body, and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented and/or marginalized in higher education.

Washburn University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.

Washburn University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants for employment. If you are an applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please email benefits@washburn.edu or call 785-670-1538 at least five (5) business days in advance of the date you need the requested accommodation.

For more information and to apply, visit https://careers.washburn.edu/jobs/visiting-assistant-professor-washburn-law-clinic-topeka-kansas-united-states.