UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LAW SCHOOL is hiring a clinical professor for its Michigan Innocence Clinic. 

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Law School is seeking to hire a clinical professor to teach in its Michigan Innocence Clinic (MIC) starting next academic year. Depending on experience, the applicant may start as a clinical assistant professor or a clinical professor.

The MIC works to exonerate actually innocent criminal defendants who have been convicted in state or federal court in Michigan. The MIC primarily works on cases where there is no DNA to test, and so the work of the Clinic largely involves finding new witnesses, searching for suppressed evidence, and challenging discredited or outdated forensic science. The MIC opened in 2009 and in its 14-year history, it has secured victories in 41 cases on behalf of clients who served anywhere from a few months to over 45 years in prison for crimes they did not commit. In addition to supervising students and summer interns while working collaboratively to litigate cases of the MIC's clients, this position also entails co-teaching the clinic seminar for two semesters each year.

Who We Are

Founded in 1859, Michigan Law School is one of the world’s leading institutions of legal education and enjoys a reputation for academic excellence characterized by a powerful commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Michigan is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the nation, and enjoys international renown for its intellectual rigor, stunning physical surroundings, preeminent faculty scholarship, and a community noted for collegiality and warmth. Michigan Law has an exceptional and cooperative community of talented and interesting students, with 1000 in the J.D. and 40 in the LL.M. program. Our commitments to collegiality, to constructive and challenging debate, and to enabling our students to pursue a wide range of options explain why the Law School has long been committed to diversity along many dimensions. Our graduates serve with distinction in the private, public, non-profit, and academic sectors, in large numbers in every major market in the nation, as well as internationally. The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is considered among the best places in the United States to live and work.

At Michigan Law, we view our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as central to our mission as an educational institution and we seek to ensure that each member of our community has full opportunity to thrive in our environment. We believe that diversity is key to individual flourishing, educational excellence, and the advancement of knowledge and we maintain a deep commitment to fostering a diverse community in which all students, staff, and faculty learn and work in an atmosphere of inclusion and respect.

Required Qualifications*

Ideal candidates will have at least five years of relevant experience, which may include clerkships, fellowships, criminal/appellate litigation, and/or clinical teaching. Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in clinical teaching and innocence litigation, as well as potential for scholarship. Candidates must hold a J.D. and be eligible for licensure in Michigan.  

Additional Information

This is a full-time contractual appointment that can lead to a long-term clinical contract. Clinical faculty have 9-month academic year appointments and are eligible for summer financial support for case coverage, special projects, and writing. They have governance rights that closely parallel tenure and tenure-track faculty. Michigan’s faculty salaries and benefits are extremely competitive.

Contact Information

Please direct questions to Associate Dean for Experiential Education Debra Chopp at dchopp@umich.edu or 734-763-1948. The position is open until filled but it is advisable to apply by September 22, 2023.

Applicants may apply online to the University of Michigan Careers site or send a letter of interest and resume to Assistant to the Dean Robyn Grimes at rlgrimes@umich.edu.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.