TEXAS TECH SCHOOL OF LAW is hiring a Clinical Lecturer and Director for its Veterans Law Clinic. 

About the university: Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world. About Lubbock: Referred to as the “Hub City” because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock’s Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the School of Law:

The School of Law has approximately 440 students and 38 full-time faculty members. The School of Law is an integral part of the University and offers 10 dual-degree programs with other Texas Tech schools and colleges. The School of Law has a strong focus on students and is committed to a practical education to produce practice-ready graduates.

Texas Tech University School of Law invites applications to serve as Clinical Lecturer and Veterans Law Clinic Director, responsible for managing all operations and administration of the School of Law’s newly-established Veterans Law Clinic through a generous donation from the William A. Brookshire Foundation.

 

Major/Essential Job Functions:

Contributes to the University and School of Law’s mission through teaching and service;

Directs, plans, manages the operation of the Veterans Law Clinic and supervises the daily work activities of law students and support staff; develops and implements policies and procedures for operation of the Clinic;  

Communicates with the Law School Dean and the Director of Clinical Programs;

Engages in client development and community outreach to promote the services offered by the Veterans Law Clinic;

Performs the duties of a lawyer and provides high-quality and ethical legal advice to clients of the Veterans Law Clinics, ensuring effective representation of all clients in all matters including administrative hearings, courts proceedings, and appeals on such legal matters as VA benefits, discharge upgrades, and housing matters;

Supervises law students in the Veterans Law Clinic and teaches the classroom component of the Clinic course, providing a rich educational experience in line with established educational requirements, techniques, and best practices to promote the development of the skills necessary to practice law ethically and effectively;

Monitors receipt of and makes all case assignments to students; screens all cases for conflicts of interest; makes temporary adjustments to caseload policies depending on the overall complexity of certain cases, the type of cases, student experience, support staff experience, or other factors affecting the delivery of high-quality services;

Maintains a regular caseload and provides backup on caseloads of law students who are not available or are unable to complete specific assignments or who graduate;

Trains, monitors, and evaluates staff in a manner consistent with the standard personnel policies and procedures of Texas Tech University;

Administers the annual operating budget for the Veteran’s Law Clinic;

Pursues and administers grant funding in cooperation with the Law School’s Budget Office and Dean’s Office;

Abides by any contractual agreements or grant award terms, conditions, and reports approved by Texas Tech University and the School of Law.

Faculty Required Qualifications:

1. Holds a JD or equivalent from an ABA accredited law school;

2. Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas or eligible for admission without examination;

3. Demonstrated excellence in legal research and writing skills;

4. Strong communication skills and ability to interact effectively with various audiences, including clients, students, staff, faculty, court and agency staff, and the public;

5. Exhibits proficiency and commitment to providing quality representation to clients;

6. Ability to independently manage a caseload and quickly assume responsibilities;

7. Commitment to teaching and supervising law students in a clinical setting;

8. Familiarity with legal issues facing veterans and their families;

9. Substantial law practice experience with at least three years related to legal issues facing veterans.

Preferred qualifications:

1. Extensive knowledge, familiarity. and experience with the legal issues facing veterans.

2. Skill in communicating effectively and civilly with diverse groups of individuals;

3. Skill in preparing and administering budgets;

4. Skill in administering grants and preparing grant applications;

5. Commitment to service to the legal profession and to pro bono activities;

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, co-workers, employees, governmental department heads, elected/appointed officials, outside organizations, attorneys, the news media, and the general public.

To apply for this position, please include a curriculum vitae, cover letter and list of references in your application at the Texas Tech Jobs website:  https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/workattexastech/.

Application deadline is July 12, 2024.

Questions about this position should be directed to Jarod Gonzalez, J. Hadley and Helen Edgar Professor of Law and Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee at jarod.gonzalez@ttu.edu. For your application to be considered, you must submit it at the Texas Tech Jobs website.